San Antonio Building Standards Board Meeting - July 9, 2026
San Antonio Building Standards Board Meeting - July 9, 2026
The San Antonio Building Standards Board (BSB) met on July 9, 2026, at 9:03 AM at the Development Services Department. The board addressed five properties: three demolition orders, two resets (one with a repair order), and heard public comments. Key votes included four cases passing with unanimous support (one with a 4-0 vote, two with 5-0 votes) and one reset passing 4-2-1. Staff reported an emergency demolition and noted a delay due to the city attorney's absence.
Consent Calendar
- Approval of Minutes: The board approved the minutes from June 11, 2026, by a 4-0 vote (motion by Fred Andes, second by George Grimes Jr.).
Public Comments & Testimony
- 1918 McCullough Avenue: An email from Frederica Kushner (Council District 1) was read into the record. Kushner argued the main structure, built in 1949, should be preserved as part of the Tobin Hill streetscape, but requested the trailer add-on be declared a hazard and demolished. The board noted the property was not eligible for historic designation.
- 212 Go Forth Drive: An email from Lisa Bustos (granddaughter of owner) was read. She requested a reset, stating she is out of state for work, that probate is ongoing, a landscaping company has been hired, a bonded company can demolish the accessory structure within 30 days (quote $7,500 approved), and four of eight heirs have signed over their interest. She requested additional time and offered to appear in late August or October.
Staff Reports
- Emergency Demolition: Kathy Rodriguez reported one emergency demolition at 5407 Gwenda Lee (District 2) – an accessory structure that caught fire on June 19, 2026, and was demolished on June 25, 2026.
- Delay: Jenny Ramirez announced a delay due to the city attorney being late from district court. A five-minute coffee break was taken at 9:10 AM, followed by a 30-minute recess from 9:18 AM to 9:28 AM.
Case 1: 829 West Hutchins Place (Demolition)
- Presentation: Crystal Town (Dangerous Premises Officer) presented the case (third hearing). The property had received a 90-day repair order (March 13, 2025) and a 30-day demolition order for the accessory structure (September 11, 2025). The main structure was now vacant and abandoned. Violations included warped decking, missing fascia, foundation not supporting the structure, water damage, holes in the roof, and trash/debris. Utilities were off. The property is within 1,000 feet of McCollum High School.
- Testimony: Officer Torres (SAPD South SAFE Unit) testified to frequent suspicious activity and homeless use of the property, posing a risk to nearby school children.
- Costs: Abatement costs: $1,195 (September 26, 2024) and $497 (June 4, 2026).
- Motion and Vote: Fred Andes moved that the property be declared a public nuisance (City Code Chapter 6, Article 8, Sections 6-157 and 6-156, subsections 1, 2, 8, 11, 12, 15, 17, 18), demolished within 30 days, vacated, utilities cut, past and present abatements collected, and debris removed. Second by George Grimes Jr. Approved 4-0 (Joel Solis, George Grimes Jr., Jamie Little, Fred Andes).
Case 2: 826 Peggy Drive (Reset)
- Presentation: Cynthia Santana (Dangerous Premises Officer) presented the case (first hearing). The owner (John A. Bila) is deceased; his son John Bila II (executor of estate) represented. No scope of work, financial proof, or engineer’s report had been provided. Violations included missing siding, broken windows, roof sagging, water damage, large gap in floor, and no water since 1997. Four abatement liens existed: $93 (2023), $209 (2024), $325 (2025), and $268 (June 2026).
- Testimony: John Bila II requested a reset, stating they had just received the hearing notice and planned to walk the property with contractors by July 14, 2026, start demo prep by July 28, and begin work by August 11. He acknowledged no repairs had been made since he became executor in 2013-2014. He could not provide proof of financial means.
- Motion and Vote: George Grimes Jr. moved to reset the property for 30 days. Second by Jamie Little. Passed 4-2-1 (Joel Solis yes, George Grimes Jr. yes, Jamie Little yes, Fred Andes yes, David Valtieta abstained).
Case 3: 511 Yellowwood Drive (Demolition)
- Presentation: Cynthia Santana presented the case (first hearing). Owner Anna E. Moore was not present and no contact had been made. The property had been neglected for at least two years. Violations included metal roof separating from decking, collapsing brick siding, missing siding exposing studs and bathroom, roof rafters rotted, interior exposed to elements, mold, electrical hazards, and a person camping inside. Utilities were off. Four abatements since 2022 (most recent June 3, 2026, cost $447).
- Motion and Vote: George Grimes Jr. moved that the property be declared a public nuisance (City Code Sections 6-157 and 6-156, subsections 1, 2, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 15, 17, 18), demolished within 30 days, secured, free of debris, and all prior and current abatements collected. Second by Jamie Little. Approved 5-0 (Joel Solis, George Grimes Jr., Jamie Little, Fred Andes, David Valtieta).
Case 4: 1918 McCullough Avenue (Demolition over Staff Recommendation of Repair)
- Presentation: Hassan Razawi (Dangerous Premises Officer) presented the case (second hearing). Owner Herbert Lawrence Poland was not present. Staff recommended repair, but the board considered demolition. An engineer's report was submitted on April 9, 2026, but no repairs had been made. The active business (tire shop) had a current certificate of occupancy, but the structure was unsafe: brick siding detaching with cracks, roof leaks, rotted rafters, electrical hazards, and holes in walls. Officer Razawi stated the structure was not safe for occupancy.
- Public Comment: An email from Frederica Kushner was read (see Public Comments), but the property was confirmed not eligible for historic designation.
- Motion and Vote: Fred Andes moved that the property be declared a public nuisance (City Code Section 6-157 and 6-156, subsections 1, 2, 5, 7, 8, 12, 15), demolished within 30 days, vacated, utilities cut, secured, free of debris, and abatement costs collected. David Valtieta amended to recommend revocation of the certificate of occupancy (noted as a recommendation to the building official). Second by George Grimes Jr. Approved 5-0 (Joel Solis, George Grimes Jr., Jamie Little, Fred Andes, David Valtieta).
Case 5: 212 Go Forth Drive (Reset with Repair Order)
- Presentation: Stephanie Sanchez (Dangerous Premises Officer) presented the case (second hearing). Owner Lorenzo Bustos was not present; granddaughter Lisa Bustos had contacted staff. The first hearing (March 12, 2026) ordered 30-day demolition of the accessory structure and a repair order for the main. The accessory structure had not been demolished. No scope of work or financial proof had been provided. Violations included holes in the roof, rotted overhang, cracked brick siding, debris, and water damage. Utilities were off. Staff recommended repair.
- Testimony: Lisa Bustos’ email was read (see Public Comments). She requested a reset, citing ongoing probate, hired landscapers, bonded company for demolition of accessory, and four of eight heirs signing over interest.
- Motion and Vote: Fred Andes moved that the property be declared a public nuisance (City Code Section 6-157 and 6-156, subsections 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 15, 17, 18), repaired within 30 days, secured, free of debris, with follow-up every 15 days, and that the owner provide the required documents (written scope of work, financial proof). Jamie Little seconded with a friendly amendment to maintain vacancy (since utilities were off) and to require permits. Approved 5-0 (Joel Solis, George Grimes Jr., Jamie Little, Fred Andes, David Valtieta).
Key Outcomes
- Votes: Four cases passed unanimously: 829 West Hutchins (4-0), 511 Yellowwood (5-0), 1918 McCullough (5-0), 212 Go Forth (5-0). One case (826 Peggy) reset with a 30-day continuance (4-2-1).
- Decisions: Three demolition orders (829 West Hutchins, 511 Yellowwood, 1918 McCullough) with 30-day timelines, utility cuts, debris removal, and collection of abatement costs. One repair order (212 Go Forth) with 30-day timeline, required documents, and bi-weekly follow-ups. One reset (826 Peggy) for 30 days to allow owner’s son to provide scope of work and financial proof.
- Next Steps: For demolition cases, the city will execute orders after 30 days if not complied. For reset and repair cases, code officers will monitor progress and bring cases back if compliance fails.
Meeting Transcript
It is now. Sorry, y'all. Let's do a little do over. Uh the time is now 9 03. We're gonna call this meeting to order. This is July the 9th, and we'll begin with a roll call for members present. Kayla Miranda, Joel Solis. George Grimes Jr. Present. Dr. Linda Lopez Rodriguez. Yvonne Addison. David Valtieta. Jamie Little here. Fred Andes. Also present in the meeting from the City of San Antonio or Savina Ray from the City Attorney's Office and from Development Services. Kathy Rodriguez, Development Services Administrator. Jenny Ramidez, Code Enforcement Manager, Estorti's Development Services Specialist 1. Melissa Maldonado, Administrative Assistant Two, and myself, Judy Kroom, Development Services Specialist Supervisor. Chair Aquorum is present. Thank you very much for that. Alright, can we go ahead and move on to item number three, the Spanish translator? Thank you for approaching the podium. Good morning, everybody. Thank you very much. All right. So we're gonna move on to the chair's statement. We do have a quorum. It's present. We're gonna ask you to silence your cell phone or any device that may disrupt the public hearing. Uh no person shall delay or disrupt the proceedings or disobey the order of the chair. If you wish to speak on a case, you will be allowed three minutes. However, an owner or owner's representative will have unlimited time. Please keep all information relevant to the property in question and the code violation. As advised prior to the public hearing, the city will provide translation services for anyone needing assistance. It is our understanding that you have made such arrangements as advised in your notice of hearing. Our expectations is that you submit the required documents prior to this public hearing. Your responsibility as a property owner or lien holder of a dilapidated structure case is to demonstrate the following. One, provide the required documents. Discuss your detailed scope of work with a cost for each item. Outline in the order to bring the property into compliance to the satisfaction of the code officer. Number two, submit the required proof of financial ability to pay for the proposed work and discuss feasibility of repairs dependent upon monies at hand. Number three, request the amount of time needed to complete the work. All abatement orders by the board shall be enforced. All work proposed must be done within the code regulations and required permits prior to commencement of the work. You may attain all permits from the Department of Development Services located here at 1901, South Alamo Street, San Antonio, Texas, 78204. If in doubt as to the process during this time, please contact the code enforcement officer. Any owner or laneholder dissatisfied with an order of the board may appeal in civil district court within 30 days after the date that the order is mailed. If you have any questions regarding the orders, please contact the code enforcement officer or development service staff members by phone at Area Code 210 207 5422. Please note that it is unlawful for any persons present to solicit or pedal services regarding any property under consideration by the board during the course of this public hearing as per City Code Section 16-236.
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