Laredo Code Enforcement Board approves demolition orders, grants 60 days to one property owner to secure permit

The Laredo Code Enforcement Board voted April 23 to approve demolition orders or continued enforcement actions for multiple substandard properties across the city, while granting one owner a 60-day window to secure proper permits to avoid demolition.

Board action came after staff presented photographs and inspection findings showing severe structural damage, long-running nuisance complaints and instances where properties were unsecured or exposed to trespass. Board members made separate motions on each property, approving staff recommendations in most cases and tabling or postponing two matters to allow additional follow-up.

Board staff described common issues across the agenda: collapsed siding and porches, openings in exterior walls, high weeds and trash, unpermitted construction activity and repeated nuisance complaints. Staff also said the city places a lien on properties to recoup demolition costs; those funds go to the general fund and are recovered only if the property later sells. A staff presenter noted one recent low bid for a demolition at $13,900 and said landfill and contractor costs have risen, and that a city processing fee for code liens is $200 plus late fees when applicable.

Property-level actions and key discussion

- 202 East Travis Street: After staff disclosed a notice error (staff had not provided the required 30-day notice), board members voted to restart the demolition process and reissue the case so the notice and procedure are correct. The motion to reopen and proceed with the process passed.

- 2220 West Anna Avenue (owner recorded as Maria Santacruz / Santacruz family): Owner Claudia Santacruz told the board she supports demolition and asked the city to perform the work because she lacks funds. Staff had documented the structure as substandard and recommended demolition of the entire building. The board closed the public hearing and voted to follow staff’s recommendation; the motion carried.

- 717B Lindenwood Drive (listed in staff report as Canada Corporation / later referenced as Ganka Corporation): Staff recommended demolition of one side of a duplex (structure B only) after inspections found structural and interior problems and multiple nuisance complaints. A person identifying themselves as Raj, who said he represents the owner or owner-entity and described plans to secure permits and rebuild, asked the board for time. Raj said, “I need at least 60 days so I can file our default,” and described ongoing efforts to obtain corrected permit paperwork and contractor registration.

The board voted to accept staff’s recommendation but added a condition: the demolition order will stand unless the owner presents a satisfactory, properly issued permit that cures the structural deficiencies within 60 days. If a complete, approvable permit is submitted, staff said it would pull the demolition process; absent that, staff will proceed with bidding and demolition.

- 2010 W. (Lot/address recorded as Nun Sanjuana): Staff recommended demolition of two structures on the lot; the daughter of the deceased owner asked for more time and noted limited funds and occupancy concerns. Given the occupancy and potential displacement, the board voted to table the item and directed staff to coordinate with other departments (including legal and human services) before bringing it back.

- 1018 North Lost Creek (Veronica M. Garcia): The owner contacted staff and completed some repairs to address a neighbor’s complaint. Staff recommended continued monitoring of the property while the owner finishes permitted repairs; the board instructed staff to monitor the case rather than move immediately to demolition.

- 805 Willis Huddl Street (owner dispute in court): Staff presented the property as open, unsecured and a public-safety nuisance near Martin High School. The board voted to follow staff recommendations and pursue the demolition/vacate process; staff said it will package the case for legal review and seek any necessary court orders before removing occupants and demolishing.

What the board ordered and next steps

The board approved several motions that will allow staff to proceed with demolition bids where owners do not act, to reissue notices where procedure errors were found, and to coordinate with legal and other departments where occupant displacement or ownership disputes exist. For demolitions funded by the city, staff said the cost is placed as a lien on the property (a $200 processing fee plus any applicable late fees is charged initially) and that recovered funds post-sale go to the general fund.

Several owners told the board they intend to pursue permits and repairs. Board members and staff explained the city’s permit review goal is about 14 days when applications and plans are correct, but multiple rounds of corrections can extend review. Staff said an owner who obtains an approvable permit during the board’s specified window may have the demolition action rescinded.

Board members closed the meeting noting follow-up duties for staff and that the board’s next regular meeting will be in May. Meeting minutes and the full recording will be available through city channels after the next meeting.