San Antonio Building Standards Board Meeting - January 22, 2026

The Building Standards Board (BSB) met on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 10:31 a.m. to hear five cases concerning dangerous buildings. The meeting included emergency demolitions, board-up costs, and extensive public testimony. The board deliberated on repair timelines and demolition orders, with decisions varying by property.

Emergency Demolitions (Staff Report)

• The structure at 247 Heading Pest Street was demolished as an emergency on December 6, 2025, following a fire on December 2, 2025. No further board action was required.
• The structure at 2106 East Crockett Street was demolished as an emergency on December 12, 2025, after a fire on December 8, 2025. No further board action was required.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Alex Kindrial (SAPD Safe Unit officer) testified regarding 150 Alendale Drive, describing years of drug activity, homeless encampments, and a lack of cooperation from the previous owner; he supported demolition.
• Lydia Namigo (NHSD Navigator) testified about 215 Rulman Avenue, stating that the owners had been offered resources but the house was not ADA accessible and the owners had refused some assistance.
• Rosendo Maldonado (owner of 215 Rulman), speaking through a translator, pleaded for more time to repair, claiming a stop-work order had hindered progress and that his wife uses a wheelchair and requires dialysis. He expressed fear of homelessness.
• Guadalupe Maldonado (wife of owner) testified that she sells items at flea markets and that code enforcement took her property (air conditioner, wheelchair, oven) during a cleanup; she asked the board not to demolish.
• Rose Hill (President, Government Hill Neighborhood Association) spoke for 215 Rulman, requesting 90 days for the association to organize volunteer cleanup and secure engineers; she stated the house was not beyond repair and that the couple needed community help.
• Robert Macatee (neighbor and owner of 211 Rulman) testified that the property had been a problem for a decade, that the owners were unable to maintain it, and supported demolition for safety.
• A daughter of the Maldonados (name not given) asked for time for the neighborhood association to help.
• Troy Glenn Welch (owner of 1902 Farwell Drive) testified that he had multiple spinal surgeries, tried to sell the house after a fire, and requested 60 days to sell it; he presented a fire damage assessment report.
• A granddaughter (name not given) testified for 1906 Texas Avenue, explaining that foundation work was done without permits, that they were waiting for Casa Verde and Blueprint to provide assistance, and that the accessory structures were sentimental.

Discussion Items

150 Alendale Drive – Staff recommended demolition due to repeated board-ups ($1,800 + $1,000), a fire in 2025, and the property being within 1,000 feet of John F. Kennedy High School. The owner's representative (Oscar Lonel Larvarado and a contractor) requested 60 days to repair and secure the property, stating they planned to start work in February 2026. The board questioned the timeline and the lack of permits.

215 Rulman Avenue – Staff presented extensive structural issues: unlevel foundation, rotting joists, missing skirting, exposed wiring, and unsafe living conditions for an elderly couple. A notice to vacate had been issued but the occupants remained. The owners claimed they had been trying to repair, but code officer Cynthia Santana clarified that no permits were pulled, no stop-work order existed, and no progress was made during an eight-month hardship period.

1906 Texas Avenue – Staff documented a dilapidated main structure and two accessory structures. The owner's granddaughter stated that foundation work was done without permits and that Casa Verde and Blueprint were on the waiting list to provide financial assistance for repairs. The board discussed whether to allow time for documentation or order demolition of accessories.

1902 Farwell Drive – The structure had significant interior fire damage, missing siding, and charred roof decking. The owner, Troy Glenn Welch, explained he had spinal surgeries and was trying to sell the property. A letter from Council District 1 was read supporting the owner's cleanup efforts. The board considered allowing 60 days to sell.

2707 Morales Street – No one appeared for this case. Staff presented severe smoke and fire damage, missing roof sections, and a dilapidated accessory structure. The property is within 1,000 feet of Irving Dual Language Academy.

Key Outcomes

• 150 Alendale Drive: Motion passed (5-0) to allow 60 days for repair, with stipulations: secure the property, cut utilities until ready, report to code officer every 15 days. If not repaired within 60 days, demolition is automatic.
• 215 Rulman Avenue: Motion passed (unanimous) to declare the property a public nuisance and order demolition within 30 days (vacate, cut utilities, secure). Vote: Ayes – Joel Solis, Ema Addison, John Nelson.
• 1906 Texas Avenue: Main structure reset to the next available BSB date, requiring documentation (scope of work, cost estimate, engineer's report, and letters from Casa Verde and contractor). The two accessory structures were ordered demolished within 30 days. Vote: 5-2 in favor.
• 1902 Farwell Drive: Motion passed (4-1) to allow 60 days to sell the property. If sold, the buyer must repair within 50 days; otherwise demolition proceeds. If not sold within 60 days, demolition (with utilities cut and property secured).
• 2707 Morales Street: Motion passed (unanimous) to order demolition of the main structure and accessory structure as not feasible to repair.