[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6661416,"mediaKeyId","2414206-1b4fce749fd158581795d850a18256bd","parentId",2414206,"title","Commission orders demolition, leaves six-figure penalty in place for long-vacant Lee Hill property","audioSeconds",293,"startMs",6049000,"endMs",6342000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2414206-1b4fce749fd158581795d850a18256bd&start=6049&end=6342","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2414206-1b4fce749fd158581795d850a18256bd/thumbnail_6049000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6661416/Austin/Travis-County/Texas/Commission-orders-demolition-leaves-six-figure-penalty-in-place-for-long-vacant-Lee-Hill-property","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6661416-67902214b4d64ae77f5dc3192856f395/orig.mp4?Expires=1775386158&Signature=eWoa2ui4bJeWx4HfxDcvAeX9G2MFpLeexwA4v6HniPR3WJx0HoLWhrhXUUQDarv8Qe2zNdirqNtRc3ey2BIN7XgcbCkKvvBIFNGN6qUcLluAc6QD2KX~SLJIvV8M8GfckJkWaNwerd331HrxDgUg4CYQoF0WgG2uVAkrM-KCT9TRx-qPNbm3buGC3H6hAgW~Hu~TqxIWdH8pZsuch6biVtY-oGt3Ih1duAoI6mT~DJ6sPnXCvh5TrSrcXxVlnpODSZLwGUbZ38w05u-kMwvB~Vkwh7LEETLs2dPaJ8mbaKr3SOno8PHjay~FIrx7NuutYDFcmrXW2AMKTFieb8G81Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Austin","date","2025-02-26T00:00:00Z","article","The City of Austin Building and Standards Commission on Feb. 20 issued a demolition order for the long-vacant residential property at 7913 Lee Hill Drive and left in place the accrued civil penalty of $185,820 from a 2016 repair order.

Investigator Farrah Presley presented the returning case, noting the property has been vacant since the 2016 order and that no repairs or permits had been completed. Presley described extensive deterioration: siding and structural supports decayed, an addition collapsed, holes in the roof and missing window glass allowing weather into the interior. Photos in the staff packet show severe interior and exterior decay and a collapsed addition.

Staff asked the commission to issue a new order superseding the 2016 repair order (TRV2016085192), keep the accrued penalty in place but stop interest accrual going forward, and require demolition within 45 days of the order being mailed. The proposed order would also authorize the code official to proceed with demolition on the 46th day if the owner does not comply and to assess and record expenses as liens.

No one appeared to represent the property today and staff said attempts to contact the owner, listed as Glenn Thompson (owner since 1994), were unsuccessful. Commissioner Tomlovich moved to adopt staff’s findings and the recommendation in full; the motion passed unanimously: Commissioner Tomlovich (aye), Commissioner Lockhart (aye), Commissioner Ostalugo (aye), Commissioner Francis (aye), Commissioner Selig (aye), Vice Chair Campbell (aye) and Chair Timothy Stowstad (aye).

The commission’s order requires the owner to obtain and finalize all necessary permits, demolish the residential structure and any accessory structures, remove debris leaving the lot clean and raked, and request Development Services inspections to verify compliance within 45 days. If compliance is not achieved, the code official is authorized to proceed with demolition and to recover expenses via lien and other available remedies; interest will accrue at 10% per year on assessed amounts from the date of assessment.

Staff said the property appears secured on site with fencing but is severely deteriorated and was not maintained; because the owner was not present the commission adopted the recommendation without amendment. The order will be mailed to the recorded owner and staff will pursue the enforcement steps outlined in the order if the owner does not respond.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Austin - Building and Standards Commission - Feb 26, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","After finding the structure at 7913 Lee Hill Drive unsafe and unmaintained since a 2016 repair order, the Building and Standards Commission issued a new demolition order and left an accrued civil penalty of $185,820 in place.","taxTitle","Austin, Travis County, Texas","taxId",2819,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6661420,"Commission reduces nearly $95,000 penalty to $1 after owner demonstrates compliance and sale",3064,2943000,6007000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2414206-1b4fce749fd158581795d850a18256bd&start=2943&end=6007","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2414206-1b4fce749fd158581795d850a18256bd/thumbnail_2943000.jpg","/articles/6661420/Austin/Travis-County/Texas/Commission-reduces-nearly-95000-penalty-to-1-after-owner-demonstrates-compliance-and-sale","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6661420-ea0393f4c57913048ff12f5168e3bee3/orig.mp4?Expires=1775386158&Signature=YlK2PjaXK7NosQdlbxxoqyjXrVJgnSFVKAu7VaZvbltGAZvrVwsdXSnJVMxx6WjkIXxjqG86w47Hflu5OBTEmJg25w-yX1Ai~VHOrAm5wKfTtvYcd0JC8qXCT-YcCQjSwde49XCHuFaNJm0fJuolPtaZ2d9AcZoUsAZXocPqL~E0yM~ZMZV5o9A4xDyIv9g3Km0ZjzAp99Nf16loqRof-msBDBTrun5fCSHhxTCFJzr2fEmqa0ciKBTgE7olrfRd190HOSPIkT8YvRvbHa9RL5rgw1h12SdHFfqdmzXi-dISWB5nnTWqx8TEQoRa-NFlTMkwIjrkiXK8LhA-ej8xNA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of Austin Building and Standards Commission on Feb. 20 granted near-complete penalty relief for the property at 503 West 14th Street, reducing an assessed civil penalty of $94,982.79 to $1 after staff confirmed the structure had come into compliance.

Inspector Farrah Presley told commissioners the case began in 2019 after a fire and that a repair order was issued in February 2020. The city previously recommended either demolition or continued enforcement; investigators concluded the owner ultimately completed the necessary exterior and roofing repairs and permitted work that satisfied the BSC order. Presley said the case had been ongoing since April 2019 and that the assessed penalty balance through the date of the meeting, including interest, was $94,982.79.

Denise Brady, the late owner’s widow who had been trustee and managed sale efforts, asked the commission for penalty relief, saying she lacked the financial resources to pay the full amount and that she had closed on a sale of the property the previous week. “I humbly request forgiveness of the penalties,” Brady said, describing the personal and medical circumstances that complicated completing work after her husband’s illness and death.

Chair Stowstad moved to adopt staff findings and reduce the penalty to $1; Commissioner Selig seconded the motion. Commissioners discussed the owner’s documented effort to complete repairs, the case’s characterization as low complexity by staff and the recent sale to a buyer who appeared by phone. The commission approved the motion unanimously: Commissioner Tomlovich (aye), Commissioner Lockhart (aye), Commissioner Ostalugo (aye), Commissioner Francis (aye), Commissioner Selig (aye), Vice Chair Campbell (aye) and Chair Timothy Stowstad (aye). The order will be mailed to the prior owner and the new owner as appropriate.

Staff had offered an alternative in the recommended order: to affirm the full civil penalty or reduce it and allow 30 days to pay the reduced amount; the commission chose to reduce the penalty to a nominal $1 and instructed staff to mail the amended order. The staff presentation referenced the recorded 2020 Building and Standards Commission order (record TRV2020088950) and pre- and post-compliance photographs.

Presley and the owner were advised how the amended order will be mailed and recorded. The commission’s action relieves the prior owner of the large assessed amount but preserves the commission’s recorded findings that the structure had been out of compliance before repairs were completed.","The Building and Standards Commission reduced the accrued civil penalty on a repaired property at 503 W. 14th Street from $94,982.79 to $1 after the owner documented completed work and a recent sale of the property; the commission voted unanimously to approve penalty relief.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6661425,"Commission requires engineering report, 45-day compliance for repairs at Array Apartments building",2269,2407000,4676000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2414206-1b4fce749fd158581795d850a18256bd&start=2407&end=4676","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2414206-1b4fce749fd158581795d850a18256bd/thumbnail_2407000.jpg","/articles/6661425/Austin/Travis-County/Texas/Commission-requires-engineering-report-45-day-compliance-for-repairs-at-Array-Apartments-building","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6661425-c7357cd508a4992ecbcb888cca116bd4/orig.mp4?Expires=1775386158&Signature=i7Ln4ezbHBL3wS7f-umvqbyelBgeatUqSuemglroiBYWxkyDJW5~3iTk-MqtqIW1H37wtOef7tGH3yImAFQvWisAk5RwcHlnIzNcuAHBcOggFPQ0lT3cWRIQpEoJZ7pa1vCYL1~uNhQVS6VXRK5uQYh~NvwwmuBm9zZzOa6of6dxuFL6RYmh6LiJz8GaC9JQQgNGrqYS8V1fWODlW0EwV7nG2kS~6KuIWMfMUcQfUNn6sVXBKNhhjrF~qMKWa01UL0H8AvDh3G1mXahjzmalKtbDgtobQBow1FQE6cQBX-zEy8CzlE-JACJx2ftXV8aQ-eWQx2VItB1e6N-PmNj95g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Building and Standards Commission on Feb. 20 adopted staff’s recommended order for Building 25 at The Array Apartments, 2000 Burton Drive, requiring the owner provide a written engineering assessment and complete repairs and permits within 45 days.

Investigator Kevin Berry presented the repeat-offender case for Building 25, describing cracked brick mortar and retaining walls, sidewalks pulling away from the structure and interior wall cracking in Unit 147. Berry said the building, constructed in 1972 and owned by Ray Holdings LSP LLC since August 2022, had been posted and inspected multiple times since a periodic inspection in September 2024. He recommended a written engineering report prepared by a Texas-licensed engineer, permits and corrective work to be completed within 45 days and a civil penalty of $1,000 per week beginning if compliance is not achieved.

Leslie Zuniga, property manager for The Array, asked the commission for the maximum extension allowed because the owner is obtaining engineering reports and coordinating repairs. Commissioner Francis asked why the additional time was needed; Zuniga said the engineering report is taking longer than anticipated. Investigator Berry confirmed an engineer was being sought but that staff had not yet received a report.

Vice Chair Campbell moved to adopt staff’s proposed findings and the recommended order without modification; the motion was seconded and approved by roll call. Because Commissioner Tomlovich had stepped off the dais for that item, the vote recorded six ayes and no nays: Commissioner Lockhart (aye), Commissioner Ostalugo (aye), Commissioner Francis (aye), Commissioner Selig (aye), Vice Chair Campbell (aye) and Chair Timothy Stowstad (aye).

The commission’s order requires the owner, within 45 days from the date the order is mailed, to: provide a written engineering report prepared by a Texas-licensed engineer evaluating the current and long-term structural integrity of the building; obtain and finalize all necessary permits; correct the violations cited in the order; and request inspections from the City of Austin Development Services Department. On the 46th day, if compliance has not been achieved, staff may assess a civil penalty of $1,000 per week until repairs are complete and interest will accrue at 10% per year on assessed amounts.

Investigator Berry and the property manager were advised to coordinate on the engineering report and repair schedule; staff will verify compliance via Development Services inspections and may assess penalties if the order is not met.","For Building 25 at The Array (2000 Burton Drive), the Building and Standards Commission adopted staff’s recommended order requiring an engineering report and repairs within 45 days; the owner requested more time but the commission kept the original timetable.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6661429,"Commission grants 90 days to demolish deteriorated Briar Hill duplex",873,2874000,3747000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2414206-1b4fce749fd158581795d850a18256bd&start=2874&end=3747","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2414206-1b4fce749fd158581795d850a18256bd/thumbnail_2874000.jpg","/articles/6661429/Austin/Travis-County/Texas/Commission-grants-90-days-to-demolish-deteriorated-Briar-Hill-duplex","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6661429-348c915474db535e81500ed3d54d108d/orig.mp4?Expires=1775386158&Signature=VMH4yp0cMzDrhz-uAIQkMEgomg1SVSTvpCk25I6yS92bpqgNB8X~tJZC6B3UO6q3ZpAG7bU-~7Y6j60vln0PakXdInadj8vQ4D7g51DlnZKpCH6146F7CvCmv-THA2N-DPXHI9SLkN37i-PrAyjTBJ4J2Phc0YgDB4JzqrbwM5NAPDTdkKLfVPxbmKE0avKM6oUAYzPmku7gLeRpC7sfqd-Wlytcy2DVZLK-8VWG1LHY~pi-IamoB4GI2xfcjP3yd-1AsTp2zIzjHSu3jQrOg0iSkfFi-ZO976yHxhC49zf4XclwXY5BRC5Q5Kmy-CqM~otQWRgUQPrq~hHKZ7Z3yw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of Austin Building and Standards Commission on Feb. 20 adopted a demolition order for 1803 Briar Hill Drive, a single-family duplex the city found to be in substandard and unsafe condition. The commission set a 90-day compliance period for permits and demolition and agreed that completed demolition will satisfy the outstanding repair order.

Inspector Jason Henley told commissioners the case began after a 3-1-1 complaint transferred in October 2023 and that multiple inspections since November 2024 documented deteriorating roof components, holes in the ridge line and sagging roof lines. He presented photographs showing missing shingles, holes and sagging decking that led staff to recommend repair within 45 days and a civil penalty of $250 per week if compliance was not achieved.

Property representative Tim O’Brien, speaking for owner Helen Marguerite Peterson Altobello, said the family’s plan is to demolish the structure and either sell or rebuild when financially viable. O’Brien explained the home had suffered long-term settlement because of construction fill and a failing post-tension slab; the house was emptied only recently after extended efforts to remove belongings from an 88-year-old owner with health issues. “We have gone into some detail on the process by and reasons for which the house ended up in that state,” O’Brien said, and told commissioners the family had appropriated funds, sought demolition bids and believed they could secure a demolition permit and move in about 90 days.

Vice Chair Campbell moved to adopt staff findings and convert the recommended repair order to a demolition order with a 90-day compliance period; Commissioner Francis seconded the motion. Campbell said the demolition order reduces the risk the owner would be penalized if the property owner completed demolition in what could be a longer permitting cycle. The commission approved the motion unanimously: Commissioner Tomlovich (aye), Commissioner Lockhart (aye), Commissioner Ostalugo (aye), Commissioner Francis (aye), Commissioner Selig (aye), Vice Chair Campbell (aye) and Chair Timothy Stowstad (aye).

Inspector Henley and the family were advised to coordinate with Development Services staff during plan review and permit processing. The commission’s order requires the owner to obtain and finalize necessary permits, demolish the residential structure and any accessory structures, remove debris leaving the lot clean and raked, and request inspections to verify compliance. If compliance is not achieved on the 91st day the code official is authorized to proceed with demolition; costs can be assessed and recorded as liens, with interest accruing at 10% per year.

Background: the property’s case was opened in October 2023 from a complaint and was inspected repeatedly between November 2024 and February 2025. Staff and the owner agree demolition will resolve the safety concerns; the commission extended the compliance period to 90 days to accommodate permitting and contractor scheduling.","The Building and Standards Commission adopted a demolition order giving the owners of 1803 Briar Hill Drive 90 days to obtain permits and demolish the unsafe duplex; the commission said demolition will satisfy the repair order once completed.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6661434,"Building and Standards Commission orders demolition, fence for vacant Thunder Creek commercial property",1883,856000,2739000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2414206-1b4fce749fd158581795d850a18256bd&start=856&end=2739","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2414206-1b4fce749fd158581795d850a18256bd/thumbnail_856000.jpg","/articles/6661434/Austin/Travis-County/Texas/Building-and-Standards-Commission-orders-demolition-fence-for-vacant-Thunder-Creek-commercial-property","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6661434-2e31848d5a9477168199fbde9e7983a3/orig.mp4?Expires=1775386158&Signature=X4X08LKNODNj4vz5cF1A80z5B445n6SAe9UNxiJWxpYNWlqEPYgXgXOprISRly8myPof~RozvsfwidhLEuA9LgD2gRMy0uzw1xKQAaejwfauhMPnWy-K0b7pc1VgAtmSnt5v9tnvqnbqrDawxmxBAaHGvrxKb5ohy9yz1jscQ50925~5wad8ye0F5S~cbPJG5ZJ3yT~-4-qyaGREPzzli37VdZS~Dws1lE3N2ii2u8BymjMl4yTwRyXR8v7QKRyBJ~h2oFhLr26D8GQ8gEB6ai3KfkhRNKv6cJiAoONRQ6tA49ztnzFRBoBn6Faj~2iZ-1bsci019l671CHpc6zCLA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of Austin Building and Standards Commission on Feb. 20 ordered demolition of the vacant commercial structure at 5338 Thunder Creek Road, giving the owner 55 days to obtain permits and remove the building and debris and directing a perimeter fence to be installed within 15 days.

The commission adopted findings of fact and conclusions of law and replaced staff's repair order with a demolition order after hearing staff testimony that the structure is an attractive nuisance and has continuing substandard conditions. Vice Chair Campbell moved for the demolition order and the commission approved the motion unanimously.

City code supervisor David Downing presented the case file, saying the complaint was opened in July 2023 after a 3-1-1 complaint and that the building had “damaged doors and windows which have been boarded over” and other conditions documented through inspections. Downing said staff had found the owner liable at an administrative hearing in December 2024 and that an incomplete demolition application had been under review since April 2024. Staff recommended an order requiring permits and repairs within 45 days and a civil penalty of $1,000 per week beginning if compliance was not achieved.

Architect Mincy Park, representing the owner, said the owner’s team had repeatedly submitted demolition permit applications that were rejected and had recently retained a permitting agent in Austin. “From the beginning, our plan was to demolish the existing structure,” Park told the commission, and said the owner’s general contractor had been unable to clear the site because of trespassers and safety concerns.

Commissioners and staff discussed changing the staff-recommended repair order to a demolition order. Vice Chair Campbell asked whether a demolition order would be more practical given the owner’s stated intent; Park said demolition was the preferred approach and that contractors were ready. Commissioner Tomlovich moved to extend the compliance period to 55 days; that amendment was adopted. The final motion directed that if the owner does not comply, the code official is authorized to proceed with demolition and that the city may assess expenses, file a lien, and recover costs. The motion also requires the owner to secure the property with a perimeter fence within 15 days; if the fence is not erected by the 16th day the order imposes a $250-per-week fine, with interest accruing at 10% per year on assessed amounts.

The commission recorded a unanimous vote in favor of the amended motion: Commissioner Tomlovich (aye), Commissioner Lockhart (aye), Commissioner Ostalugo (aye), Commissioner Francis (aye), Commissioner Selig (aye), Vice Chair Campbell (aye) and Chair Timothy Stowstad (aye). The order will be mailed to the owner and the code official was authorized to enforce the deadlines in the order.

Staff and the owner were directed to remain in contact during the compliance period to coordinate inspections and permit processing. The commission’s order makes clear that demolition by the owner will close the repair/demolition case; if the owner fails to act the city may undertake demolition and recover costs.

Background: the case file includes an administrative finding of liability from December 2024, photographs taken by code staff including evidence of occupancy by persons experiencing homelessness, and an incomplete demolition permit application under review since April 2024. The property is adjacent to active commercial businesses and staff characterized the site as an ongoing public nuisance.

A copy of the commission’s adopted order will be mailed to the owner and the matter will return to staff for enforcement if the conditions are not met in the time set by the commission.","The City of Austin Building and Standards Commission on Feb. 20 adopted a demolition order for 5338 Thunder Creek Road, giving the owner 55 days to obtain permits and demolish the vacant commercial structure and requiring a perimeter fence within 15 days or face fines.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission orders demolition, leaves six-figure penalty in place for long-vacant Lee Hill property

Commission reduces nearly $95,000 penalty to $1 after owner demonstrates compliance and sale

Commission requires engineering report, 45-day compliance for repairs at Array Apartments building

Commission grants 90 days to demolish deteriorated Briar Hill duplex

Building and Standards Commission orders demolition, fence for vacant Thunder Creek commercial property