San Antonio Building Standards Board Meeting – February 12, 2026\n\nThe San Antonio Building Standards Board convened at 9:13 AM on February 12, 2026, with Chair Kenda Moranda presiding and a quorum present. The board considered six properties deemed dangerous or unsanitary, heard public testimony, and voted on demolition orders, continuances, and a request for an engineer’s report. Two executive sessions were held (9:36 AM and 11:00 AM) to consult with legal counsel; no legal action was taken in those sessions.\n\n### Consent Calendar\n- Minutes from January 22, 2026 – Approved unanimously.\n- 1314 Fulton Avenue – Staff reported that the structure was demolished on February 3, 2026, following a fire; no further board action required.\n\n### Public Comments & Testimony\n- Paul Burgess (District 7, civil rights attorney) – Argued the board lacks authority to order demolition under Texas law (citing Dallas v. Stewart), criticized the board for overreach, and expressed concern over due‑process violations. He stated that “the last demolition this board ordered forced an owner to sell within 60 days or face demolition, which crossed a line.”\n- Philip M. Ross (owner of 2781 West Jet Road) – Presented a multi‑hour statement describing his property as an “art project” and a “work in progress.” He claimed the structures are safe, that an engineer (Nick Ferrocos) inspected two years ago and found them “robust,” and that the city has interfered with his right to repair. He did not provide the engineer’s report or financial documentation and threatened to challenge any demolition order in court.\n- Eliseo Vázquez (owner of 1239 Culebra Road) – Explained he purchased the property but the title remains under a previous owner (Juan Garza). He requested city assistance to demolish the structures and noted difficulty with vagrant access.\n- Lili Rodriguez (owner of 1442 East Chavaneo Road) – Stated she does not live at the property but is willing to repair it; however, she admitted she has no funds and no contractor. She requested time to fix the property.\n- Elizabeth Foster (owner of 315 Coyol Street) – Appeared nervous and said she had recently learned about the violations through divorce proceedings. She requested a continuance to obtain an engineer’s report and explore repair options.\n- Rosa Johnston (public supporter of Philip Ross) – Described the West Jet property as “profound art” and argued that the board is not an art panel and should not dictate what an owner can do with his land. She stated, “This is culture, this is creativity – you cannot take his land just because.”\n- Written comment from a Sweet Brier Avenue resident – Read into the record, requesting demolition of 102 Sweet Brier Avenue due to vagrants, prostitution, and safety hazards.\n\n### Discussion Items\n\n#### 2781 West Jet Road (Three structures – principal house, accessory 1/tower, accessory 2/utility poles)\nCode Enforcement Officer Stephanie Sánchez presented a recommendation for demolition, citing extensive code violations: deteriorated roof, missing walls, exposed wiring, mold, structural collapse, active CPS Energy meters, floodplain location, and fire damage. Fire Chief Westbrook and Inspector Rowland testified that the tower (accessory 1) is unsafe, that firefighters cannot safely enter, and that an engineer’s report is needed to confirm stability. The owner, Philip Ross, repeatedly argued that the structures are safe, that an engineer (Nick Ferrocos) inspected two years ago and deemed them “robust,” and that the property is not open to the public. He also claimed that the city has prevented him from obtaining repair permits. No written engineer’s report or financial documentation was provided.\n\nVotes:\n- Initial motion to demolish all three structures (Joel Solís) – Failed 3‑3.\n- Principal structure: Motion to declare a public nuisance and demolish within 30 days – Passed 6‑0.\n- Accessory 2 (utility poles): Motion to demolish within 30 days – Passed 6‑0.\n- Accessory 1 (tower): Motion to require a stamped engineer’s report and a repair plan within 30 days, and to cut utilities – Passed 5‑1 (George Grimes Jr. opposed).\n\n#### 315 Coyol Street\nOwner Elizabeth Foster appeared and requested time to arrange an engineer’s report and determine her options. The board voted to continue the case to a future date – Passed 6‑0. Staff instructed her to contact the code enforcement officer.\n\n#### 1442 East Chavaneo Road (Principal, accessory 1, accessory 2)\nCode Enforcement Officer Crystal Town presented evidence of severe hoarding, unpermitted additions, no electricity, cat feces, and unsafe conditions. Owner Lili Rodriguez said she cannot afford repairs and has no licensed contractor. The board voted to declare the property a public nuisance, to demolish all three structures within 30 days, to evict occupants, and to clear debris – Passed 6‑0. (Relocation services had been offered and refused.)\n\n#### 1239 Culebra Road (Principal and accessory structures)\nCode Enforcement Officer Jaime Jasso reported that the property had been before the board previously but was removed from the agenda. The structures are severely deteriorated, with holes, graffiti, exposed wiring, and evidence of vagrant use. Owner Eliseo Vázquez acknowledged the conditions and asked for city help in demolishing the buildings. The board voted to declare a public nuisance and demolish both structures within 30 days – Passed 6‑0.\n\n#### 102 Sweet Brier Avenue (Principal and accessory structures)\nCode Enforcement Officer Jaime Jasso described deteriorated conditions, vagrant activity, unsecured entries, and proximity to a school (within 1,000 ft). The owner (Richard Garza) was not present but had been contacted; he claimed he was not the owner despite being listed on the deed. The board voted to declare the structures a public nuisance and to demolish both the principal and accessory structures within 30 days – Passed 6‑0.\n\n### Key Outcomes\n| Property | Decision | Vote |\n|----------|----------|------|\n| 2781 West Jet Road – Principal structure | Demolition within 30 days; declared public nuisance | 6‑0 |\n| 2781 West Jet Road – Accessory 2 (utility poles) | Demolition within 30 days | 6‑0 |\n| 2781 West Jet Road – Accessory 1 (tower) | Owner must submit stamped engineer’s report and repair plan within 30 days; utilities cut | 5‑1 |\n| 315 Coyol Street | Case continued to future date | 6‑0 |\n| 1442 East Chavaneo Road – All structures | Demolition within 30 days; eviction and debris removal | 6‑0 |\n| 1239 Culebra Road – All structures | Demolition within 30 days; property secured | 6‑0 |\n| 102 Sweet Brier Avenue – All structures | Demolition within 30 days; property secured | 6‑0 |\n\nPolicy Change: The board announced that, effective April 1, 2026, public comments by voicemail will no longer be accepted. Only written submissions or in‑person testimony at hearings will be allowed.\n\nThe meeting was adjourned at 1:40 PM.