San Antonio Building Standards Board Meeting – June 11, 2026

The Building Standards Board of San Antonio convened on June 11, 2026, to hear six cases involving dangerous and substandard structures. The board reviewed staff recommendations, police testimony, and property owner representations, voting on demolition, repair, or resetting of cases. All votes are recorded.

Consent Calendar

• Staff reported two emergency demolitions: 1970 (demolished June 1, 2026, due to a May 26, 2026 fire) and 3335 (demolished May 29, 2026, due to a May 23, 2026 fire). No board action required.
• The board approved the minutes of the previous meeting unanimously (voice vote).

Public Comments & Testimony

• 1615 Alhambra: Police Officer Gómez testified about two years of complaints, including drug activity, homeless encampments, and multiple arrests. He noted the property is a constant nuisance and a safety hazard for pedestrians, including children walking to school.
• 101 Regent: Police Officer Brandon Gaines read an email from Officer Carlos Guillén reporting 12 calls since January 2026 regarding homeless individuals, stolen property, and drug activity. The property is near a park and the San Antonio River.
• 1830 West Laurel: Police Officer Willy Scott described 39 calls in the past year, including assault, overdose, a stolen vehicle, and drug paraphernalia. He noted the property is near Little Flower Catholic School.
• 410 Elks Dr.: Police Officer Brandon Guillén testified that 10–13 people were frequently inside without water or electricity. During a DART operation on May 19, 2026, two arrests were made for drug possession. He highlighted the property's proximity to a primary school and high pedestrian traffic.
• 601 South Hackberry: The property representative (massage therapist) explained delays in repairs due to a contractor who moved to Hawaii. She secured a new contractor the day before the hearing.
• 437 Aran St.: Emails were read from the lender (Lone Star Capital) and the title holder (Lone Ranger LLC). The lender requested a 30-day reset to determine the loan status; the title holder requested 90 days to complete the demolition themselves.

Discussion Items

• 1615 Alhambra (first appearance): Staff recommended demolition. The property had been vacant and severely damaged by fire, with extensive deterioration, trash accumulation, and structural failures. No engineering report or financial proof was provided. The owner was not present.
• 101 Regent (first appearance): Staff recommended demolition. The structure had a collapsed roof, exposed wiring, rodent/insect infestation, and evidence of homeless occupation. No owner present.
• 1830 West Laurel (first appearance): New owners (Joaquín Arch and Bradley Ford) appeared, representing the company that purchased the property on May 13, 2026. They requested a 180-day extension to repair (120 days for engineering/permits, 60–90 days for construction). They presented experience in construction and landscaping. The board discussed conditions including securing the property, providing a no-trespassing affidavit, registering in the vacant buildings program, and regular progress reports.
• 410 Elks Dr. (first appearance): Staff recommended demolition. The interior was filled with trash, no plumbing, structural damage, drug paraphernalia found. Police noted 10–13 occupants. No owner present. The board added a motion to post a notice for first responders.
• 601 South Hackberry (third hearing): Previous order to repair had not been completed (only a hole in the floor patched). Permits were obtained in February 2026 but expired in August. The representative asked for additional time; she had a contractor starting the next week. Staff noted the structure is repairable. The board voted to allow 90 days for repair.
• 437 Aran St. (first appearance): Staff recommended demolition. The property had severe structural issues, vandalism, and a detached garage in poor condition. The owner (LLC) was not present; emails indicated the lender wanted a reset and the title holder sought 90 days to demolish. The board voted to reset the case to the next available agenda (30 days).

Key Outcomes

• 1615 Alhambra: Motion to demolish within 30 days, secure, and clear debris. Vote: 7–0 in favor.
• 101 Regent: Motion to demolish within 30 days, secure, clear debris, and disconnect utilities. Vote: 7–0 in favor.
• 1830 West Laurel: Motion to reset (not demolish) for repair, with conditions: secure property, provide no-trespass affidavit, register in vacant buildings program, and submit progress reports. Vote: 6–1 in favor (John Solis opposed).
• 410 Elks Dr.: Motion to demolish within 30 days, evict occupants, secure, clear debris, disconnect utilities, and post notice for first responders. Vote: 7–0 in favor.
• 601 South Hackberry: Motion to order repair within 90 days, with the property secured and free of debris. Vote: 7–0 in favor.
• 437 Aran St.: Motion to reset the case to the next available board agenda (30 days) to allow the lender to determine loan status. Vote: 4–3 in favor (John Solis, Jamie Giro, and Fernández opposed).