San Antonio Construction Standards Board Meeting - July 2, 2026

This meeting of the San Antonio Construction Standards Board was held on Thursday, July 2, 2026, from approximately 9:00 AM to after 10:12 AM. The board considered emergency demolitions, a staff report on recent emergency demolitions, and five individual property cases. All votes were unanimous.

Consent Calendar

• The minutes of the previous board meeting were approved unanimously by voice vote (motion by Commissioner Fernández, seconded).

Staff Report on Emergency Demolitions

• Kathy Rodríguez, Development Services Administrator, reported three emergency demolitions in District 5: 2 Thomson Place (demolished June 9, 2026), 1122 Pérez Street (demolished June 17, 2026), and 10162 Wood Trail (demolished June 20, 2026). All were due to fires. No questions or further discussion.

Discussion Items

4426 Eisenhower Road (District 2)

• Staff Presentation: Code Officer Cynthia Santana presented the case for demolition. The property is a single-story 3,100 sq. ft. residence built in 1957, severely damaged by a fire in March 2026. It lacks water and electricity service. Code violations included unsafe conditions, debris accumulation, and proximity to St. Thomas School (within 1,000 feet). The owner had been given multiple notices; no financial proof or repair plan was provided. Police Officer Carlos Gutiérrez testified that from January to June 2026, there were 65 calls to the address, with 43 after the fire, including reports of trespassing, suspicious persons, and possible minors entering. The structure is dangerous for police entry.
• Owner Testimony: Salvador Caballero Ramos, owner, stated he had intended to repair the house but was hospitalized from June 18 to approximately June 25 and could not respond to notices. He asked for an extension, claiming he had a civil engineer and contractor ready. He admitted renters and homeless had been staying there. He provided no financial documentation or work scope.
• Discussion: Commissioners questioned the owner about financial capacity and contact with city staff. The owner had not met with development staff aside from the code officer. Commissioner Fred Andes noted repeated debris cleanups costing $3,546.00 total. The board noted continued occupancy despite vacate orders.
• Board Action: Initial motion by Dewey Nelson for demolition within 30 days, seconded by Fred Andes. An amendment by Fred Andes to require the owner to reimburse all past and future abatement costs (weed and debris removal) was accepted. The motion passed 6-0.

3446 Roosevelt Avenue (District 3)

• Staff Presentation: Code Officer Sergio Quintanilla presented the case. The commercial structure, built in 1970, is dilapidated with missing exterior, rotting roof, broken windows, and debris. No water or electricity. Located within 1,000 feet of a daycare. The owner had been contacted but no financial proof or repair plan.
• Owner Testimony: Michael Álvarez (Roberts?) appeared. He expressed full agreement with demolition, acknowledging the property is dangerous. He stated he has maintained other lots and will maintain this one after demolition. He thanked the officer for his work.
• Public Comment: A letter from Jane Henry on behalf of the Mission San José Neighborhood Association was read, supporting demolition and noting the property has no historical significance.
• Board Action: Motion by Paul Hernández for demolition within 30 days, cleanup of debris, and securing the property. Seconded and passed unanimously. The owner was reminded of ongoing maintenance responsibilities.

224 South Home (District 5)

• Staff Presentation: Code Officer Crystal Tant presented. The property has a main structure and a detached accessory structure, both dilapidated. There is a leak, debris, blocked exits, and no water or electricity. The owner, Minerva Zapata, was not present; the property had been discussed in a previous attorney conference. No financial proof or repair plan. Two abatements: one in February 2025 costing $6,025.00.
• Discussion: The board noted the owner's absence and the property's continued deterioration.
• Board Action: Motion by Dewey Nelson for demolition within 30 days, requiring the property to be vacated, secured, and all past and future abatement costs paid by the owner. An amendment by Paul Hernández to also disconnect water and electric services was accepted. Passed unanimously.

1202 Marseille Street (District 2)

• Staff Presentation: Code Officer Cynthia Santana presented. The property is a structure built in 1965, facing Cadmon Elementary School. It is abandoned, with severe exterior and interior damage, infestation (bees), and evidence of squatters. The owner, Universal Distributors LLC, did not appear and could not be contacted. No permits or financial proof. The property has a history of code violations since 2022; abatements in June 2024 ($806), November 2025 ($583), and January 2026 ($480). Tax delinquency of nearly $30,000 is noted.
• Discussion: Commissioners questioned the ongoing deterioration and inability to reach the owner. The recommendation was for repair, but due to lack of contact and persistent violations, the board considered demolition.
• Board Action: Motion by Dewey Nelson for demolition within 30 days, requiring all prior abatement costs paid by the owner, disconnection of utilities, and securing and cleaning the property. Seconded by Paul Hernández. Passed unanimously.

214 Hermitage Court (District 3)

• Staff Presentation: Code Officer Crystal Tant presented. The property has a main structure and three accessory structures, all in hazardous condition. Missing foundations, rotten wood, exposed interior, graffiti, and squatters. The owner, Luis Treviño, was not present and could not be contacted. Abatements: $712 in 2025, $602 in September 2025, $346 in June 2026. No water or electric service.
• Discussion: The board noted no contact with the owner and ongoing issues.
• Board Action: Motion by Ryan Baldwin for demolition within 30 days, clearing debris, and requiring the owner to pay all abatements. Passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• All five properties were ordered demolished within 30 days from the date of the orders.
• Owners held responsible for abatement costs: For 4426 Eisenhower Road, 224 South Home, 1202 Marseille Street, and 214 Hermitage Court, owners must reimburse the city for all prior and future abatement costs (debris removal, securing, etc.). For 224 South Home, water and electric must be disconnected.
• No appeals were filed; owners were informed of the 30-day appeal window to the appeals board.
• The board’s decisions were unanimous (6-0) on all motions.