San Antonio Construction Standards Council Meeting Summary – October 16, 2025

The San Antonio Construction Standards Council convened on October 16, 2025, under President Dwight Nelson. The meeting began at 9:06 AM, recessed for an executive session, and reconvened at 10:31 AM. The full board was present, including a new member. The meeting focused on reports on vacant building programs, historic preservation, relocation assistance, code compliance strategies, and proactive inspection programs. No votes were taken on agenda items; presentations were informational.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes from the previous meeting (May 25, 2025) were approved unanimously via motion by Fred Andes, seconded by Anne Winer.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made.

Discussion Items

Vacant Buildings Program Update (Katy Rodriguez, Historic Preservation Officer)

• The program, established in 2015 as an 18-month pilot, became permanent and has expanded to cover approximately 22 square miles (about half the city limits), including historic districts, tours areas, buffer zones, military bases, and areas around schools.
• There are currently about 1,000 properties in the inventory, primarily single-family homes owned by local individuals (average age 50–60) who own only that property.
• Owners have 90 days to comply after notification; the full process from identification to court takes about six months.
• The program issued 25 citations in the past year, up from 4 previously, and has increased owner contact by 40%.
• A new dashboard and map are being developed to provide property details, zoning, code enforcement status, and case manager contact information.
• Councilmember questions focused on how properties are identified (routine patrols, postal service data, and citizen reports) and the fee increase scheduled for the next fiscal year.

Historic Design Review (Edward Holland, Historic Preservation Office Manager)

• The office covers 34 historic districts, 2,200 administrative reviews per year, and has seen a decline in HDRC agenda items due to UDC updates and improved customer guidance.
• The office uses 13 criteria for historic designation, focusing on architectural significance, historical events, or cultural importance.
• Demolition of historic structures is extremely rare; the economic hardship defense is very difficult to prove.
• The team coordinates with code enforcement to identify properties that may be eligible for historic designation, responding within 30 days of notification.
• Councilmember questions addressed how properties become designated historic (owner request or city identification) and the process for handling demolition requests for deteriorating historic properties.

Relocation and Housing Assistance (Laverne Rodriguez, Housing Assistance Specialist)

• Relocation assistance (security deposits, admin fees, CPS deposits) is available only for renters and is paid directly to landlords.
• Of five properties referred for relocation assistance: one was above income threshold (90% AMI) and did not qualify; one qualified and received $600; one went to Haven for Hope for assistance; two did not respond or could not verify ownership.
• The SYNC program (home stabilization, workforce support, disability assistance) has two active cases; an Opportunity Home program offers 35 affordable units (600 total income-mixed units available citywide).
• Five adult/child protective services cases are being managed for properties not yet before the board.
• Councilmember questions focused on the low number of referrals (nine total since 2022) and the timeliness of assistance (not emergency, but can reimburse after move-in).

Community Outreach and Code Enforcement Strategic Plan (Dani Leos, Director Development Services)

• The new community outreach program (led by Ingrid Castillo Mercado, transitioning to Nick Solís) has received 348 referrals with a 24% acceptance rate.
• The senior/adult disabled assistance program (budget $100,000) received 106 applications, approved 60, with an average work order cost of $1,673.
• Code enforcement strategic plan: Based on 11 community sessions (266 participants) and 12 staff sessions (61 participants), five focus areas were identified: communication systems, educational materials, proactive vs. reactive enforcement, vacant lots, and resident hardships.
• The plan is a living document; presentations will be made to the Development Committee in November and four community meetings in December.
• Councilmembers asked about sidewalk maintenance (property owner responsibility; city has a program offering up to $3,500 for repairs) and the role of city council vs. administration in policy changes.

Proactive Inspection Program (Del Russell, Supervisor)

• Approved by council March 23, 2023, for apartment complexes: properties with three or more code violations within six months are enrolled for six months, requiring registration, monthly exterior inspections, and annual per‑unit fee.
• To date: 2,100 apartment complexes inspected; 51 enrolled in the program, two re‑enrolled, and 24 graduated. 66,000 total inspections were conducted.
• Councilmembers questioned how properties are identified (via complaints or inspector observation) and the low number of complexes in the program relative to visible problems. The program is reactive; complexes that fix violations within 10 days do not enter the program.
• The program is considered a success: 2,049 complexes corrected issues before being enrolled.

Key Outcomes

• No votes were taken on ordinances, resolutions, or policy changes during this session.
• The board received informational presentations to be used in future decision-making.
• The next scheduled meeting for Panel A is November 6, 2025; no meetings are scheduled for December due to holidays.
• Policies and procedures for the council will be revised to correct typographical errors and align with state legislation requiring three‑day advance notice of meetings.
• The board elected Dwight Nelson as President (10–2 vote) and Kayla Moranda as Vice President (7–5 vote).