Building Standards Board Meeting – May 14, 2026

The Building Standards Board of San Antonio convened on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 9:09 a.m. under Chair Kayla Miranda. A quorum was present. The board addressed four properties, hearing presentations from code enforcement, fire department, police, property owners, and public commenters. The meeting included an executive session (9:14–9:27 a.m.) with no action taken, and adjourned at 12:22 p.m.

Consent Calendar

• The board approved the minutes of the previous meeting by voice vote (motion by Joel Solis, seconded, all in favor).

Public Comments & Testimony

• 2781 West Jet Road: Joanne Rivera (District 2) spoke in support of the owner, describing the structure as an art project made from salvaged materials and arguing it is not a conventional building. She noted the property is rural and has no nearby children.
• 128 Hillary Street: Officer Robert DuPay (SAPD East Side Safe Unit) testified that the property has been the site of over 50 calls for service for drug activity, burglary, and disturbances. He stated the occupant, Michael, is not the owner and is using the property for narcotics transactions. Mary Ann Cortez and Eliva Carrasco (sisters of the deceased owner) expressed that they want nothing to do with the property and want the nuisance to stop.
• 1906 Texas Avenue: Owner Eva Gutierrez stated she is on a waiting list with Blueprint Ministries for roof, electrical, and sheetrock repairs. She said windows have been ordered but cannot be installed until the roof is done. She provided a handwritten scope of work and a document showing her placement on the waiting list.
• 103 Garida Avenue: No public comments were made; the owner was not present.

Discussion Items

• 2781 West Jet Road (Accessory Structure #1): Dangerous Premises Officer Stephanie Sanchez presented a timeline: first inspection January 24, 2025; owner present at a March 6, 2025 conference; reset from February 12, 2026 hearing. The structure is a multi-story metal and wood frame with no safe walking surface, charred poles, rust, oxidation, and active electrical cords. It lies partly in a floodplain and near Medina River. Fire Chief Robert Westbrook and Chief James Bennett testified that the structure is dangerous, with limited access, fuel loads, and no safe way to enter or fight a fire. The Office of Historic Preservation found it not eligible for historic designation. Owner Philip Ross (District 4, attorney) argued the board lacks legal authority to condemn, cited a Texas Supreme Court case, and stated he intends to keep the structure. He did not provide an engineer’s report as previously ordered. The board found the property in violation of multiple subsections of City Code Section 6-156.
• 128 Hillary Street (Main Structure): Dangerous Premises Officer Ryan Garza presented: single-story residence built 1940, with roof collapse, rotted foundation, missing siding, exposed wiring, and interior damage. Utilities are disconnected. The property is within 1,000 feet of Democracy Preparatory at Stewart Campus. Attorney Renee Vella (representing Carrington Mortgage Services) requested a 90-day reset to clarify ownership through a pending lawsuit. Board discussion clarified that ownership is in question (deceased owner Juanita Casillas, no will, seven potential heirs). The board determined that the property is a public nuisance and not feasible to repair.
• 1906 Texas Avenue (Main Structure): Dangerous Premises Officer Carolyn Palkey presented: single-story residence built 1942, with deteriorated siding, roof holes, exposed plumbing, rotted framing, and soft floors. Two permits exist (foundation repair and residential repair) but are not finalized. Utilities are disconnected. The property is within 1,000 feet of Marin B. Finwick Academy. The owner, Eva Gutierrez, is on a waiting list for assistance. The board debated whether to order repair or demolition. A motion passed to order repair within 90 days, with conditions of securing the property, clearing trash/debris, and keeping it vacated.
• 103 Garida Avenue (Main and Accessory Structures): Dangerous Premises Officer Jaime Hassel presented: residence with detached carport, holes, vandalism, vagrant activity, and detached accessory structure. The owner, Maria C. Vasquez, was not present and no contact had been made. The property is near an active railroad but not within 1,000 feet of a school. The board found the structures in violation and not feasible to repair.

Key Outcomes

• 2781 West Jet Road: Motion (by Fred Andes) declaring the property a public nuisance and ordering demolition within 30 days, utilities cut, and the site cleared and secured. Passed 5-0. (Roll call: Kayla Miranda aye, Joel Solis aye, George Grimes Jr. aye, Jamie Little aye, Fred Andes aye.)
• 128 Hillary Street: Motion (by Fred Andes) declaring the property a public nuisance and ordering demolition within 30 days, vacated, utilities cut, and secured. Passed 5-0. (Same roll call.)
• 1906 Texas Avenue: Motion (by Fred Andes, seconded by Joel Solis) declaring the property a public nuisance but feasible to repair, ordering repair within 90 days, with the property to remain vacated, secured, and free of trash/debris. A friendly amendment to add “clear” was accepted. Passed 5-0. (Same roll call.)
• 103 Garida Avenue: Motion (by Joel Solis, seconded) declaring both main and accessory structures a public nuisance and ordering demolition within 30 days, vacated, utilities disconnected, secured, and free of trash/debris. Passed 5-0. (Same roll call.)
• Board Updates: New members David Valtiera (architect) and Jamie Little (mayoral appointee) were welcomed. The full board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.