Wimberley council authorizes Chapter 54 litigation for three properties over code noncompliance

The Wimberley City Council voted unanimously April 3 to authorize initiation of Chapter 54 litigation for three properties that staff say are not in compliance with city code: 451 Cindy Circle, 120 Jewell Lane, and 207 Blanco.

City staff told the council they had worked with property owners and occupants for an extended period. Two other properties earlier on the enforcement list had moved toward compliance after staff engagement; the three listed in the motion remain noncompliant, according to staff. Staff described cases that include commercial activity in residential zones, outdoor storage on vacant lots, and expanded business activities at a residence that neighbors reported had hired employees and altered driveway access.

The council recessed briefly to consult with legal counsel on the matter before returning and voting to authorize litigation. Staff said letters and other enforcement steps had been taken previously and that legal action was recommended because voluntary compliance had not been achieved.

The council motion authorizes staff and the city attorney to initiate Chapter 54 enforcement litigation; the action does not itself impose fines or order property changes — those remedies would require further legal proceedings and potential court orders. Council members also discussed broader zoning and code-review work planned by the city, noting home-based businesses and neighborhood-service zoning as topics for future code updates.

No council member opposed the litigation authorization; the vote was unanimous.