OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

San Antonio Building Standards Board Meeting - September 11, 2025

Boards & Commissions — Thursday, September 11, 2025
BodySan Antonio, Texas
SessionBoards & Commissions
DateThursday, September 11, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:51:45

Transcript — Verbatim
0:14

Present.

0:16

Present.

0:19

Present.

0:23

Dr.

0:24

Orlenda Lopez Rodriguez.

0:25

Present.

0:26

Kayla Miranda.

0:27

Present.

0:28

Also present in the meeting from the City of San Antonio are Eric Burns from the City Attorney's Office.

0:34

And from Development Services, Amin Tomas Director.

0:38

Melissa Ramitas, Deputy Director.

0:41

Jenny Ramitas, Code Enforcement Manager.

0:44

Judy Kroom, BSB Liaison, Adesali Abuadaca, Administrative Assistant 2, and myself.

0:50

Esther Otti's Development Services Specialist 1.

0:53

Chair Aquirmas Present.

0:55

Thank you.

0:56

The City of San Antonio provides translation services to anyone who may need assistance.

1:00

If we could just have translation of that fact.

1:39

This is Joel Slay Samuel for approved.

1:42

Motion is to approve the minutes.

1:44

Do I have a second?

1:45

George Grimes second.

1:46

Any discussion.

1:49

All in favor of the motion to approve the minutes of 14 August 2025 say aye.

1:54

Aye.

1:55

Those opposed, nay.

1:57

There are none.

1:57

It's carried unanimously.

2:00

At this time, let us have a staff update on issues.

2:13

Good morning, board members.

2:15

Good morning.

2:15

My name is Jenny Ramirez, Code Enforcement Manager with Development Services.

2:20

I have some items to read into the record, if I may proceed.

2:23

Yes, please.

2:24

All right.

2:25

First item, we have several, so bear with me here.

2:28

First item is um an emergency demolition.

2:32

Structure located at 107 Duffield in Council District 1 was demolished as an emergency on August the 8th of 2025 due to an extensive fire which occurred on August the 1st of 2025.

2:47

Pursuant to Chapter 6-175, no further action is needed by the board at this time.

2:53

And there are before and after photos of the main structure.

3:42

Next property.

4:46

No, they were all fires.

4:47

Yes.

4:50

Any additional questions?

4:53

Thank you very much, ma'am.

4:54

Thank you.

4:55

As stated previously, a quorum is present.

5:00

Please sign your cell phone or any device that may disrupt this public hearing.

5:03

No person shall delay or disrupt the proceedings or disobey the orders of the chair.

5:08

If you wish to speak on the case, you'll be allowed three minutes.

5:11

However, an owner or owner's representative will have unlimited time.

5:16

Please keep all information relevant to the property in question and the code violation.

5:21

As advised prior to the public hearing, the city will provide translation services for anyone needing assistance.

5:27

It is our understanding that you have made such arrangements as advised in your notice of hearing.

5:32

Our expectation is that you've submitted the required documents prior to this public hearing.

5:37

Your responsible is a property owner or lienholder of the dilapidated structure case to demonstrate the following.

5:44

Number one, provide the required documents.

5:47

Discuss your detailed scope of work with a cost for each item outlined in order to bring the property into compliance to the satisfaction of a code officer.

5:57

Number two, submit the required proof of financial ability to pay for proposed work and discuss the feasibility of repairs depend upon monies at hand.

6:08

And number three, request the amount of time needed to complete the work.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Code Enforcement█████████████████████████████████████████████81%
Public Safety████7%
Procedural███6%
Permitting and Contracting██3%
Historic Preservation█2%
Public Engagement█1%
Summary of Proceedings

San Antonio Building Standards Board Meeting - September 11, 2025

The San Antonio Building Standards Board convened on September 11, 2025, at 1901 South Alamo Street, San Antonio, Texas. The meeting was chaired by [Chair's name not provided in transcript]. Board members present included Dr. Orlenda Lopez Rodriguez, Kayla Miranda, George Grimes, Joel Slay Samuel, and Erla (likely Erlinda). Staff from the City Attorney's Office and Development Services Department were also present. The board heard and voted on five property cases, including three demolition orders, one repair order, and one combined demolition/repair. One public comment was read into the record. The board also received an update on administrative changes and rescheduled a meeting date.

Staff Updates & Emergency Demolitions

  • Emergency demolition of 107 Duffield, Council District 1, occurred on August 8, 2025, due to an extensive fire on August 1, 2025. No further board action required (Chapter 6-175).
  • Emergency demolition of 1622 North Hamilton, Council District 1, occurred on August 15, 2025, due to an extensive fire on April 15, 2025. Staff noted that DSD became aware on August 8, 2025. No further board action required.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • A written comment from Dan Stenthol, resident of 311 West Meadow Lane Drive, was read into the record. Stenthol expressed strong support for demolition of 215 West Meadow Lane Drive, citing observed public nuisances including use of the property for construction storage, loud metal fabrication, unknown individuals entering at odd hours, and trash bins left in the street.

Discussion & Action on Cases

Case 1: 829 Hutchins Place (Accessory Structure)

  • Staff recommendation: Demolition of accessory structure.
  • Key facts: Second hearing; prior 90-day repair order issued March 13, 2025, with notice to vacate. Property owners (Tankersley, Fisher) not present. DART inspection on August 13, 2024, found individuals living inside without restroom/kitchen, extension cords, weapons, and severe deterioration. Roof sagging, rotted wood, missing siding, and evidence of vagrant activity. No scope of work or permits provided.
  • Police testimony: Officer Richard Summerville (South SAFE Unit) reported complaints of heavy foot traffic, narcotics use, and homeless activity. Multiple arrests made, including one for felon in possession of a firearm on DART warrant day.
  • Board vote: Unanimous (all ayes) to demolish accessory structure within 30 days and clean debris.

Case 2: 215 West Meadow Lane Drive (Main Structure)

  • Staff recommendation: Demolition.
  • Key facts: First hearing; owner present (Ms. Mara Ramos, accompanied by husband). Owner expressed intent to demolish but cited financial difficulty due to husband's accident and pending loan. A demolition permit application was filed on August 11, 2025, but still pending approval. No other scope of work or financial proof provided. Inspection revealed missing siding, exposed wiring, water damage, mold, and shifting foundation.
  • Owner testimony: Requested three months to complete demolition. Husband is seeking a loan; they plan to do the work themselves.
  • Discussion: Board considered allowing time for permit approval. Motion was made to demolish within 90 days (amended from 30 days) to accommodate permit timeline and financing. Legal advised using days rather than permit approval as trigger.
  • Board vote: Unanimous to demolish within 90 days.

Case 3: 407 Thorne Boulevard (Accessory Structure)

  • Staff recommendation: Demolition of accessory structure.
  • Key facts: First hearing; property owned by deceased mother, estate being administered by son (Mr. Ricardo Morales). Accessory structure (detached garage) converted into living area without permits. DART inspection on February 11, 2025, found kitchen sink, toilet, shower installed without permits. Structural issues: loose floor tiles, water damage, separation from wall. No permits on file.
  • Owner testimony: Mr. Miguel Morales (brother) and Mr. Ricardo Morales (administrator) present. They expressed desire to demolish the accessory structure once they can obtain permit. They are working through estate issues (seven heirs). They requested a month to demolish after permit.
  • Police testimony: Officer Gino Flores (Central SAFE Unit) testified to ongoing nuisance over four years: criminal activity involving drugs, thefts, burglaries, homeless camps, stolen vehicles linked to address. Latest call was September 7, 2025, for homeless camps. Current occupants have left.
  • Board vote: Unanimous to demolish accessory structure within 30 days.

Case 4: 1338 Brighton (Main and Accessory Structures)

  • Staff recommendation: Demolition of main structure, repair of accessory structure.
  • Key facts: First hearing; owner Mr. Romeo Vasquez present. He purchased property at end of 2024 and obtained a residential repair permit on January 27, 2025 (for four windows, one door, new laminated floors). Work on accessory was done without permit, and a stop work order was issued. Owner provided engineer's letter and proof of $38,000 in bank account (U.S.) plus $15,000 in Mexico. He requested five months to complete repairs on both structures.
  • Staff testimony: Code officer Bregarian Bledzel detailed severe deterioration: main structure resting on grade, sagging roof, rotten wood, missing siding, interior floors uneven/spongy, bathroom with water damage. Accessory structure had sagging roof, missing fascia, exposed plumbing. Owner had also applied for additional permits (not yet issued).
  • Board vote: Unanimous to repair both main and accessory structures within 90 days.

Case 5: 132 Enrique Street (Main and Accessory Structures)

  • Staff recommendation: Demolition of both structures.
  • Key facts: First hearing; owner (Esperanza B. Guajardo) not present. Contact made with daughter-in-law. No scope of work, financial proof, or permits on file. Structures severely dilapidated: main structure shifted from foundation, resting on grade, holes in roof and walls, interior full of debris, egress hazards. Accessory structure also deteriorated with holes, missing skirting, evidence of vagrant use.
  • Board vote: Unanimous to demolish both structures within 30 days and clean debris.

Key Outcomes

  • 829 Hutchins Place (accessory): Demolition ordered within 30 days. Unanimous.
  • 215 West Meadow Lane Drive (main): Demolition ordered within 90 days. Unanimous.
  • 407 Thorne Boulevard (accessory): Demolition ordered within 30 days. Unanimous.
  • 1338 Brighton (main & accessory): Repair ordered within 90 days for both structures. Unanimous.
  • 132 Enrique Street (main & accessory): Demolition ordered within 30 days for both structures. Unanimous.
  • Administrative:
    • Director Michael Shannon left DSD; Amin Tomaz appointed as new director, Melissa Ramirez as deputy director overseeing code and inspections.
    • The full BSB meeting originally scheduled for November 13, 2025, has been moved to October 16, 2025, to allow DSD management to present updated code strategic plan. Panel B will still meet on November 13, 2025.
    • A representative from NHSD (DART unit) will attend the October 16 meeting to answer questions related to DART inspections only; additional questions may require another NHSD representative.

Meeting Transcript

Present. Present. Present. Dr. Orlenda Lopez Rodriguez. Present. Kayla Miranda. Present. Also present in the meeting from the City of San Antonio are Eric Burns from the City Attorney's Office. And from Development Services, Amin Tomas Director. Melissa Ramitas, Deputy Director. Jenny Ramitas, Code Enforcement Manager. Judy Kroom, BSB Liaison, Adesali Abuadaca, Administrative Assistant 2, and myself. Esther Otti's Development Services Specialist 1. Chair Aquirmas Present. Thank you. The City of San Antonio provides translation services to anyone who may need assistance. If we could just have translation of that fact. This is Joel Slay Samuel for approved. Motion is to approve the minutes. Do I have a second? George Grimes second. Any discussion. All in favor of the motion to approve the minutes of 14 August 2025 say aye. Aye. Those opposed, nay. There are none. It's carried unanimously. At this time, let us have a staff update on issues. Good morning, board members. Good morning. My name is Jenny Ramirez, Code Enforcement Manager with Development Services. I have some items to read into the record, if I may proceed. Yes, please. All right. First item, we have several, so bear with me here. First item is um an emergency demolition. Structure located at 107 Duffield in Council District 1 was demolished as an emergency on August the 8th of 2025 due to an extensive fire which occurred on August the 1st of 2025. Pursuant to Chapter 6-175, no further action is needed by the board at this time. And there are before and after photos of the main structure. Next property. No, they were all fires. Yes. Any additional questions? Thank you very much, ma'am. Thank you. As stated previously, a quorum is present. Please sign your cell phone or any device that may disrupt this public hearing. No person shall delay or disrupt the proceedings or disobey the orders of the chair. If you wish to speak on the case, you'll be allowed three minutes.

SUMMARIZED BY OPENPUBLICA AI
TRANSCRIPT VIA PUBLIC VIDEO
openpublica.com