Building Standards Committee Meeting – San Antonio – May 14, 2026

The Building Standards Committee of the City of San Antonio convened on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 9:09 AM. The meeting included an executive session at 9:14 AM, reconvening at 9:27 AM. The committee heard four properties: three recommended for demolition and one for potential repair. All votes resulted in orders consistent with staff recommendations, with one property (1906 Texas Avenue) ordered for repair within 90 days instead of demolition.

Consent Calendar

• No consent calendar items were presented.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Joan Rivera (District 2): Spoke regarding 2781 West Jet Road, describing it as an art project and not a danger, noting its rural location and that there are no children nearby. Opposed demolition.
• Ross Phillip (District 4, owner of 2781 West Jet Road): Argued the committee lacks legal authority to condemn the property, citing a Texas Supreme Court case. Stated the structure is not a public nuisance and that he renounces city services. Opposed demolition.
• Eva Marie Gutiérrez (owner of 1906 Texas Avenue): Testified she has been in contact with Blueprint Ministries, a charity that may perform repairs for low-income homeowners. Presented a waiting list status but could not provide a timeline. Requested opportunity to repair.
• Mary Ann Cortés and Elida Carrasco (heirs regarding 128 Hillary Street): Both stated they want nothing to do with the property and support demolition.

Discussion Items

• Property 1: 2781 West Jet Road (Accessory #1) – Staff recommended demolition. Owner Ross Phillip opposed. Fire Chief Robert Westbrook testified that the structure is extremely hazardous, with active electrical wiring, rust, debris, blocked egress, and proximity to the Medina River. The property was found to be a public nuisance and deemed irreparable. A motion to demolish within 30 days, disconnect utilities, and secure the property passed 5-0.
• Property 2: 128 Hillary Street – Staff recommended demolition. Owner Juanita Casias is deceased; multiple heirs were identified but not present. San Antonio Police Officer Dupre testified to over 50 service calls at the property, involving drug activity, trespassing, and proximity to a school (within 1,000 feet). The structure was found to be a public nuisance and irreparable. A motion to demolish within 30 days, vacate, secure, and disconnect utilities passed 5-0.
• Property 3: 1906 Texas Avenue – Staff recommended demolition. Owner Eva Marie Gutiérrez attended and presented a plan to repair via Blueprint Ministries, but no firm timeline or financial commitment was provided. The property was found to be a public nuisance but considered potentially repairable. After debate, a motion was passed (5-0) ordering repairs within 90 days, requiring the property to be vacant, secured, and free of debris. Staff were directed to monitor progress.
• Property 4: 103 Querida Avenue – Staff recommended demolition. Owner María Vázquez was not present. The structure, including an accessory building, showed extensive damage, vandalism, and unsafe conditions. A motion to demolish within 30 days, secure, and disconnect utilities passed 5-0.

Key Outcomes

• 2781 West Jet Road: Ordered demolished within 30 days, utilities disconnected, property secured. Vote: 5-0.
• 128 Hillary Street: Ordered demolished within 30 days, vacated, secured, utilities disconnected. Vote: 5-0.
• 1906 Texas Avenue: Ordered repaired within 90 days, property to remain vacant and secured. Vote: 5-0.
• 103 Querida Avenue: Ordered demolished within 30 days, secured, utilities disconnected. Vote: 5-0.
• The committee noted a weapon policy update allowing concealed carry in open meetings.
• New members Gutiérrez and Leroy were welcomed, appointed on April 9, 2026.
• Staff will review agenda drafting to address discrepancies in ordinance citations and manage meeting duration.
• The next full board meeting is scheduled for May 28, 2026, at 9:00 AM.