San Antonio Building Standards Board Meeting - September 3, 2026
San Antonio Building Standards Board Meeting - September 3, 2026
The San Antonio Building Standards Board (Junta de Normas de Construcción) convened on September 3, 2026 at 9:00 AM? (start time not specified, quorum established). The board approved the minutes from the August 6, 2026 meeting, received a staff report on emergency demolitions, and then heard and decided on six individual property cases involving code violations, structural hazards, and public safety concerns. All motions passed unanimously with 7-0 votes, except for one case that was reset for further review.
Consent Calendar
- The board unanimously approved the minutes of the August 6, 2026 meeting as presented.
Staff Report: Emergency Demolitions
- Staff reported five emergency demolitions conducted between July 28 and August 15, 2026, all involving vacant main structures damaged by fire or structural failure. Properties included:
- 1717 Moctezuma Street (District 5) – fire July 28, demolished July 31.
- 2435 Christian Drive (District 3) – fire July 21, demolished July 31.
- 4902 Lark Avenue (District 7) – fire July 29, demolished August 7.
- 427 Armadillo Alley (District 2) – structural failure August 4, demolished August 12.
- 129 Jesse Street (District 6) – fire August 11, demolished August 15.
- Discussion noted that fencing and foliage damage at 1717 Moctezuma were the owner’s responsibility and were not addressed by the city.
Public Comments & Testimony
- For 203 Goodleaf Street: No public comments were made.
- For 403 Cliff Avenue: Neighbor Roberto Perez (District 3) testified about long-standing blight, safety concerns, and his own property damage. Owner Doris Tapia stated she is 61, disabled, has sold the property, and disputed some allegations, claiming she had applied for city repair assistance and that code enforcement damaged her home.
- For 1139 West Mulberry Avenue: Neighbor Cynthia Walker (Beacon Hill, District 1) testified about past illegal activity and concern for current tenants lacking water and electricity. Owner John Cano detailed his purchase in April 2024, $80,000 invested, and ongoing repairs. He requested 60 days to complete work.
- For 1404 North Olive Street: Neighbors Lucrecia Cisneros and Gabriel Rodriguez (District 2) testified about frequent vagrant activity, fires, graffiti, and proximity to a juvenile academy within 250 feet. They urged emergency demolition.
- For 1847 Macaulay Avenue: Josh Martinez (military residence, grew up in District 4) expressed interest in purchasing the property and restoring it. Francisco Lopez (District 1 and 4, a design professional representing the Martinez family) presented an initial scope of work and requested a case reset to allow time for title resolution and financing.
- For 5475 Jose Lane: No public testimony.
Discussion Items
203 Goodleaf Street (District 1)
- Code officer Ramiro Guerra reported violations including dangerous electrical systems, plumbing hazards, structural issues (porch collapse risk), and excessive use of extension cords. Property owner Jesús Rodriguez is deceased; a relative Rudy Domínguez left the property. Police officer Juan Hernández (Central Station) testified that the property had received 129 service calls for drug activity, weapons, and disturbances; 15 people were arrested during an April 28 joint operation with DPS, including three on narcotics warrants. Cleanup cost $198 was pending. The board amended the initial motion (presented by Fred Andes) to require eviction within 30 days, securing the property, suspension of all utilities, and payment of cleanup fees. The motion passed 7-0.
403 Cliff Avenue (District 2)
- Code officer (unnamed in transcript) presented the property as a first-time recommendation for demolition. The declared owner is Doris Tapia (also listed as Doris B. Tapia). The structure (built 1938) showed severe damage: broken windows, roof exposure, mold, structural decay, and interior hazards. Found syringes and live ammunition on August 20, 2026, and location within 1,000 feet of three schools (high school, two elementary schools). Cleanup cost $4,400 had been done once. Police officer (Guillén, 26 years service) reported many calls for drug activity, a fire, and arrest of a person claiming ownership on drug charges. The owner presented no financial plan or work scope but mentioned she had sold the property. The board motion (by Robert Banke) for demolition within 30 days, eviction, utility disconnect, and site cleanup was passed 7-0.
1139 West Mulberry Avenue (District 1)
- Code officer Crystal Town presented the case as a second appearance (first in June 2024). The property is owned by John Cano. Violations included structural settling, stucco cracks, exposed subfloor, unsafe electrical extensions, lack of hot water, and an accessory structure used as storage with debris. No engineer’s compliance letter was provided for foundation repairs; some work was done without permits. The board entered a brief executive session (10:15–10:21) for legal consultation and resumed. Owner John Cano testified to his investments ($80,000) and requested 60 days. The board motion (by Fred Andes) required repair within 30 days, with all permits obtained, and the property to remain vacant until work completion. The motion passed 7-0.
1404 North Olive Street (District 2)
- Code officer Cynthia Santana presented a first-time demolition recommendation. The property, owned by Central Florida Lending Funding (Florida), has been abandoned since an arson fire in November 2024. No utilities, extensive fire damage, roof collapse, structural decay, and vagrant entry. Four cleanups had been performed; two work orders were pending. Neighbors testified about ongoing vagrancy, graffiti, and a stolen vehicle left on site. The board motion (by Fred Andes) ordered demolition within 30 days, utility disconnect, property vacated and secured, and priority placement on the demolition list. The motion passed unanimously.
1847 Macaulay Avenue (District 4)
- Code officer Stephanie Sánchez presented a demolition recommendation. The property, owned by Morales Richard D. (not present), had multiple cleanups (last on August 4, 2026 costing $2,000; total about $3,000 with admin). Extensive damage to roof, walls, and an outbuilding; structure was deemed hazardous and infested with vagrants. Potential buyer Josh Martinez spoke, claiming ongoing purchase negotiations and presenting a verbal plan to repair the main structure and demolish the detached garage. Francisco Lopez provided a letter of intent. The board decided to reset the case to the next available meeting date to allow Martinez time to secure title, provide a detailed work scope, financial proof, and timeline. The motion to reset passed 7-0 with guidance from staff.
5475 Jose Lane (District 6)
- Code officer Jaime Jaso presented a first-time demolition recommendation. The property, owned by Genoveva Jiménez (not present), showed structural leaning, roof damage, interior rotting, vagrant activity, and two accessory structures in severe disrepair. No public testimony. The board motion (by Robert Banke) ordered demolition within 30 days, with eviction, securing, and cleanup. An additional amendment (by legal counsel) to evict and secure was accepted. The motion passed unanimously.
Key Outcomes
- 203 Goodleaf Street: Order to evict within 30 days, secure property, suspend utilities, pay $198 cleanup cost. (Vote: 7-0)
- 403 Cliff Avenue: Order to demolish within 30 days, evict, disconnect utilities, clean site. (Vote: 7-0)
- 1139 West Mulberry Avenue: Order to repair within 30 days with permits, property to remain vacant until completion. (Vote: 7-0)
- 1404 North Olive Street: Order to demolish within 30 days, secure, disconnect utilities, prioritize demolition. (Vote: unanimous)
- 1847 Macaulay Avenue: Case reset to next available meeting date for potential buyer to submit required documentation (title, work scope, financial proof, timeline). (Vote: 7-0)
- 5475 Jose Lane: Order to demolish structures within 30 days, evict, secure, clean site. (Vote: unanimous)
- The board recessed for a brief executive session (10:15-10:21) with legal counsel; no action taken.
- Meeting adjourned after administrative items.
Meeting Transcript
Muy buenos días, llamas y caballeros. Soy Nels Mr. Nelson, bienvenidos a la Junta de Normas de Construcción. Hoy es el tres de septiembre de dos mil veintiséis. Por favor, si pasamos lista. Twine, Paul Hernández, aquí, Doris Solís, aquí, Robin Branky, aquí, Fred Andes, aquí, Ray Baldwin, aquí, doctor Fasal Hussein, aquí, también de la ciudad de San Antonio, de la de la oficina de abogado, y también de desarrollo de desarrollo de servicios, Katy Rodríguez, la administradora, Estero Ortiz, de Desarrollo Melissa Maldonada, y asistente y yo, Judy Krumm, la supervisora del departamento de servicios de desarrollo. Tenemos quórum. La ciudad de San Antonio provee la servicios de interpretación a todos los presentes que lo requieran. Por favor, que pase la persona. Buenos días. Si hay alguien presente que este quiera escuchar esta Junta en español, puede pasar a la cabina de la entrena por los audífonos. Muchas gracias. Por favor, silencie su teléfono celular o cualquier dispositivo que puede interrumpir esta audiencia pública. Ninguna persona debe retrasar o interrumpir el procedimiento ni desobedecer las instrucciones del presidente. Si desea hablar sobre un caso, se le permitirá hacerlo por tres minutos. Sin embargo, el propietario de su representante tendrá tiempo ilimitado. Mantenga toda la información relevante a la propiedad y a la violación del código, como se indicó antes de esta audiencia pública, la ciudad proporcionará servicios de interpretación para quien necesite asistencia. Entendemos que usted ya hizo esos arreglos según la indicado en su aviso de audiencia. Nuestra expectativa es que usted haya presentado los documentos requeridos antes de esta audiencia pública. Su responsabilidad como propietario o acreedor de una propiedad en caso de estructura deteriorada o en demostrar lo siguiente. Presentar los documentos requeridos y explicar su plan detallado de trabajo con el costo de cada elemento para que la propiedad cumpla con el código de la ciudad. Número dos, presentar pruebas de capacidad financiera para pagar el trabajo propuesto y discutir la viabilidad de las reparaciones según los fondos disponibles. Número tres, solicitar el tiempo necesario para completar el trabajo. Todas las órdenes de reparación o demolición emitidas por la Junta deberán cumplirse todo el trabajo propuesto debe realizarse de acuerdo con las regulaciones del código y con los permisos requeridos antes de comenzar. Usted puede obtener los permisos en el departamento de servicios de desarrollo, ubicado en diecinueve cero uno Sur Álamo Street, San Antonio Texas, setenta y ocho dos cero cuatro. Si tiene dudas sobre el proceso, comuníquese con el oficial de cumplimiento del código. Cualquier propietario o acreedor que no esté conforme con una orden de esta Junta puede presentar una apelación ante el Tribunal Civil del Distrito dentro de los treinta días posteriores a la fecha en que se envió la orden por correo. Si tiene preguntas sobre las órdenes, comuníquese con el oficial de cumplimiento del código o con un miembro del personal de servicios de desarrollo al teléfono dos uno cero dos cero siete cinco cuatro dos dos. Tenga en cuenta que es ilegal ofrecer o vender servicios relacionados con cualquier propiedad que esté siendo considerada por esta Junta durante el curso de esta audiencia pública según el código municipal, sección dieciséis, guión dos tres seis. Gracias. La Junta ha recibido copia de las minutas de nuestra Junta del seis de agosto de dos mil veintiséis. Entonces, vamos a pasar a la moción. Todos los que tengan alguna aprobación o si hay alguna corrección. Fred Andes, me gustaría sugerir la moción para aceptar la moción de las minutas como están. Y yo lo secundo, tengo varias personas. Algún diálogo sobre las minutas. No hay diálogo. Todos a favor digan sí. Todos opuestas digan no. Judy. Pasa anónimamente. Y tenemos el reporte del personal. Muy buenos días. Miembros de la Junta. Soy Katy Rodríguez, la administradora del departamento de servicios de desarrollo. Y quiero hablar con ustedes sobre la demolición de emergencias que su todos estas eran estructuras vacantes y eran estructuras principales. Soy Katy Rodigas, la administradora del departamento de servicios de desarrollo, y quiero hablar con ustedes sobre la demolición de emergencias que su todas estas eran estructuras vacantes y eran estructuras principales, y de acuerdo al capítulo seis, capítulos siete y cinco, sobre todo la calle mil setecientos diecisiete, calle de Mottezuma del distrito cinco, hubo una incendio y ocurrió el veintiocho de julio, y la estructura en el julio treinta y uno fue cuando se demolió, y también dos mil cuatrocientos treinta y cinco es Christian Drive, localizado en el distrito número 3. Hubo un incendio el veintiuno de julio. La estructura se demolió el treinta y uno de julio. Y cuatro mil nuevecientos dos, Lark Avenue, fue una demolición urgente del distrito siete.
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