San Antonio Building Standards Board Hearing - October 8, 2026

The Building Standards Board met on October 8, 2026, from 9:09 AM to 1:06 PM under Chair Kayla Miranda (later Joel Solis) to hear seven dangerous property cases and an emergency demolition report. Votes were taken on each case, resulting in demolition orders for most properties, one upheld violation notice, and a report on 11 emergency demolitions already completed.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of minutes from previous meeting was moved, seconded, and carried unanimously.

Discussion Items

215 Holy Cross Drive (Case 1 – First Hearing)

• Presentation: Dangerous Premises Officer Crystal Town recommended demolition for a main and accessory structure citing severe fire damage (December 2023), missing permits, unsafe conditions. The property had 50+ police calls since 2023 (assaults, fires, robberies, vagrants).
• Testimony: Officers Anthony Pena and Brandon Evans detailed multiple incidents including squatters, theft of water, and proximity to Loma Park Elementary.
• Owner: Mariano Garcia, 75, said his wife died and he lacked resources but hoped his son could help. He opposed demolition and requested time.
• Board Decision: Motion to declare a public nuisance, order demolition within 30 days, vacate, secure, clear trash/debris (including inoperable vehicle), and cut utilities.
• Vote: 7-0 in favor.

1517 East Crockett Street (Case 2 – Appeal of Violation Notice)

• Presentation: Code Supervisor Joseph Martinez presented violation for exterior maintenance (furniture on porch, trash). Owner appealed the issuance of the notice.
• Owner: Thomas McVay argued the notice was improper because the bulk pickup was scheduled later, trash came from neighboring H-E-B store, and the officer ignored his calls. He claimed harassment.
• Board Decision: Chair clarified the board only could decide if the notice was properly issued, not the underlying violation. Motion to uphold the notice passed.
• Vote: Unanimous (no dissent recorded).

723 Virginia Boulevard (Case 3 – First Hearing)

• Presentation: Dangerous Premises Officer Carolyn Pelke recommended demolition for a 1910-built main and accessory structure with severe roof, foundation, and wall deterioration. Deconstruction required for main (pre-1950). Owner had inactive permit.
• Owner: Hortensia Zapata (via interpreter) said she planned to transfer the property to Hazel Sendable who would evaluate repairs. No documents provided.
• Testimony: Hazel Sendable confirmed transfer plans but had no paperwork.
• Board Decision: Motion to declare public nuisance, demolish main (deconstruction) and accessory, vacate, secure, clear debris, cut utilities.
• Vote: 5-2 (Dr. Linda Lopez Rodriguez and Fred Andes opposed).

826 Peggy Drive (Case 4 – First Hearing)

• Presentation: Dangerous Premises Officer (name not given in transcript) recommended demolition for a severely deteriorated 1940-built structure (302 sq ft). Owner not present; son John Biela II represented.
• Son: Requested 30 days to proceed with demolition, having submitted a proposal and proof of financial means.
• Board Decision: Motion to declare public nuisance, demolish within 30 days, secure, clear debris. No deconstruction requirement (OHP confirmed not eligible).
• Vote: 5-1 (Dr. Linda Lopez Rodriguez opposed).

202 Yuma Street (Case 5 – First Hearing)

• Presentation: Dangerous Premises Officer Stephanie Sanchez recommended demolition for a structure with collapsed roof, compromised walls and foundation.
• Owner: Maria Avila (daughter) stated she wants to demolish the house.
• Board Decision: Motion to declare public nuisance, demolish within 30 days, secure, clear debris.
• Vote: 6-0.

437 Aaron Street (Case 6 – Reset Hearing)

• Presentation: Dangerous Premises Officer Sergio Kinga recommended demolition for a two-story structure and detached garage. Owner (Bedronga International Investments LLC) not present; previous contact indicated they agreed to demolition.
• Board Decision: Motion to declare public nuisance, demolish main and accessory within 30 days, secure, clear debris.
• Vote: 6-0.

1016 Cecilia Street (Case 7 – First Hearing)

• Presentation: Dangerous Premises Officer Rick Ayala recommended demolition for a structure with unlawful additions (metal warehouse, second-story via ladder), electrical hazards, debris. Built 1941, requires deconstruction. Owner Angel Rabago called before hearing requesting a reset, claiming no notice.
• Motion to Reset: Failed 3-3.
• Owner Absent: Case proceeded. Owner's prior communications (through an attorney) showed knowledge since 2025.
• Board Decision: Motion to declare public nuisance, demolish (main deconstruction, accessory demolition), vacate, secure, clear debris, cut utilities.
• Vote: 5-1 (Dr. Linda Lopez Rodriguez opposed).

Emergency Demolition Report

• Development Services Administrator Kathy Rodriguez reported 11 emergency demolitions completed between August 27 and September 26, 2026, due to fires (6 structures) and tree falls (5 structures) in Districts 1, 2, 3, and 5. No board action required.

Removed Agenda Item: 123 Harding Place

• The accessory structure case was removed because the owner had already demolished it.

Key Outcomes

• Demolition ordered for: 215 Holy Cross Dr., 723 Virginia Blvd., 826 Peggy Dr., 202 Yuma St., 437 Aaron St., and 1016 Cecilia St. (all within 30 days, with conditions including vacate, utilities cut, and debris removal).
• Violation notice upheld for 1517 E. Crockett St.
• Request to reset 1016 Cecilia St. denied.
• 11 emergency demolitions completed and reported.
• Board requested a full board review of deconstruction guidelines and vacant building program policies.