San Antonio Building Standards Board Hearing on Dilapidated Structures - July 2, 2026

The San Antonio Building Standards Board convened on July 2, 2026, at 9:00 AM under Chair Dwayne Nelson to hear five cases concerning dangerous structures. The board reviewed staff recommendations, heard testimony from property owners, police officers, and a public comment, and voted on demolition orders for four properties and a repair order that was converted to demolition due to owner non-response.

Consent Calendar

• The board approved the minutes of the prior meeting as drafted, with a motion by Fred Andes and a second by Paul Hernandez. The motion passed unanimously.

Staff Report: Emergency Demolitions

• Kathy Rodriguez, Development Services Administrator, briefed the board on three emergency demolitions in City Council District 5, all ordered due to fire (described as a "sudden act"):
  • 652 Thompson Place – structure removed on June 9, 2026.
  • 1120/1122 Bettis Street – structure removed on June 17, 2026.
  • 10162 Wood Trail – structure removed on June 20, 2026.

Public Comments & Testimony

• A public comment from Jane Henry, President of the Mission San Jose Neighborhood Association, was read into the record for case 3446 Roosevelt Avenue. The letter expressed full support for demolition, noting the structure’s lack of historical significance and the nuisance caused by overgrowth and vagrants.

Discussion Items and Key Outcomes

Case 1: 4426 Eisenhower Road

• Staff Presentation: Cynthia Santana (Dangerous Premises Officer) presented a case for demolition. The structure, built in 1957 and suffering a fire on March 12, 2026, was deemed dangerous under multiple code subsections. Key issues: no water/electricity, repeated vagrant occupancy, fire damage compromising structural integrity, proximity to St. Thomas More School. The city had abated rubbish twice (costs: $1,788 on March 30 and $360 on May 12) and secured the structure twice (costs: $195 on June 1, plus an earlier $360). A notice to vacate was posted on April 22 but repeatedly violated.
• Testimony – Officer Carlos Gutierrez (SAPD): Reported 65 calls to the address from January 1 to June 21, 2026, with 43 calls after the fire. Calls included squatters, burglaries, narcotics, and fires. The structure posed a danger to officers and neighbors, including children near the school.
• Owner Statement: Salvador Caballero requested time to repair, citing a hospital stay, a civil engineer contact, and plans to sell. He admitted allowing homeless individuals to stay but stated he was no longer living there. He provided no financial proof or scope of work.
• Board Discussion: The board noted the owner’s failure to appear at the conference meeting or provide required documents. A friendly amendment was added to hold the owner liable for past and future abatement costs.
• Motion and Vote: The board voted 6-0 to order demolition within 30 days, require the property to be vacated and secured, and hold the owner liable for all past and future abatements.

Case 2: 3446 Roosevelt Avenue

• Staff Presentation: Sergio Quintanilla presented a case for demolition of a commercial structure built in 1970. The building had deteriorated foundation, roof, and interior, with vagrants repeatedly breaking in. Located within 1,000 feet of a child care center. Violations included multiple code subsections.
• Owner Statement: Michael A. Alvarez (owner) traveled from Dickinson, Texas, and concurred with demolition, citing high costs and safety risks for his family. He noted he had attempted to sign a hold harmless form but was unable due to a policy change. He committed to maintaining the vacant lot after demolition.
• Board Action: The board approved demolition with a motion by Paul Hernandez, seconded by Ryan Baldwin. The motion included demolition within 30 days, clearing of trash and debris, and securing the property.
• Vote: Passed unanimously.

Case 3: 224 South Home

• Staff Presentation: Crystal Town presented a case for demolition of a main structure and an accessory structure. The owner on record (Pata Minerva) was not present; the board proceeded. The property had extensive interior debris, missing sheetrock, blocked egress, and structural issues. The city had abated the property once (February 17, 2025, cost $6,025). The owner's daughter had previously indicated intent to sell.
• Board Action: Motion by Ryan Baldwin, seconded by Paul Hernandez, with friendly amendments to vacate the property and disconnect utilities.
• Motion and Vote: The board ordered demolition of both structures within 30 days, vacate the property, secure it, disconnect utilities, and hold the owner liable for past and future abatements. Vote: unanimous.

Case 4: 1202 Marcellus Street

• Staff Presentation: Cynthia Santana presented a case for repair (staff recommendation), but the owner (Universal Distributors LLC) was not present and had never been contacted. The property is across from Cameron Elementary School. The structure had missing siding, damaged roof, repeated vagrant break-ins, and abatements totaling $1,919 ($856 in June 2024, $583 in November 2025, $480 in January 2026). No permits, no contact, and property taxes were ~$30,000 in arrears. Electricity was still on.
• Board Discussion: Board members expressed concern that no contact had been made despite certified mail being claimed. The owner's listed office was empty. The board determined repair was not feasible and moved to demolition.
• Motion and Vote: Motion by Fred Andes, seconded by Paul Hernandez, to demolish within 30 days, hold owner liable for all abatements past and future, cut utilities, and secure the property. Vote: unanimous.

Case 5: 214 Hermitage Court

• Staff Presentation: Crystal Town presented a case for demolition of a main structure and three accessory structures. No owner present (owner Lois Trevino). The property had foundation rot, missing siding, broken windows, and had been broken into multiple times. The city conducted abatements totaling $1,660 ($712 in May 2025, $602 in September 2025, $346 in June 2026). No utilities were on. The property had a history of animal issues and vagrant activity.
• Board Discussion: Neighbors reported potential shootings but no police records confirmed.
• Motion and Vote: Motion by Ryan Baldwin, seconded by Fazal Hussein, to demolish all structures within 30 days, clear debris, and hold owner liable for abatements. Vote: unanimous.

Key Outcomes

• Demolition Orders Issued: Five properties ordered demolished within 30 days: 4426 Eisenhower Road, 3446 Roosevelt Avenue, 224 South Home, 1202 Marcellus Street, and 214 Hermitage Court (including three accessory structures).
• Owner Liability: For all properties, owners were ordered to pay past and future abatement costs and ensure properties are vacated, secured, and cleared of debris. For 224 South Home and 1202 Marcellus Street, utilities were ordered disconnected.
• No Repairs Approved: Despite one staff recommendation for repair (1202 Marcellus), the board found the property not feasible to repair and ordered demolition.
• Appeal Rights: All owners were reminded of the right to appeal to civil district court within 30 days of the order being mailed.

The meeting adjourned at approximately 10:12 AM after executive session for attorney-client consultation (no action taken). The board wished attendees a happy Independence Day.