In a recent meeting of the Building and Standards Commission, officials discussed the deteriorating condition of a property located at 801 South Seguin Road, which has been vacant since February 2023. The property has faced multiple code violations, including high weeds, trash, and a dilapidated fence, leading to city abatement actions and a lien filed against it.

Nida Nixon Mendez, assistant city manager, presented the case, highlighting that the property has been under scrutiny since a notice of violation was issued in March. Following inspections, a demolition order was issued by the fire chief in August due to the dangerous state of the structures. The owner has since applied for a demolition permit, which was granted on October 10, 2023.

City staff recommended that the commission declare the property substandard and order the owner to demolish the structures and clear the site within 30 days. Failure to comply could result in the city taking action to demolish the buildings itself. The commission discussed the legal authority regarding demolition orders, with some members questioning whether they had the power to mandate such actions.

The property owner confirmed plans to proceed with demolition, estimating a timeline of two to three weeks for completion, pending the disconnection of utilities. The commission's focus remains on ensuring the property is brought into compliance with city codes, particularly given its proximity to local schools and parks.