Neighbors press Cibolo council to force repairs at Sunrose Lane home after fire; manager to bring enforcement ordinance

CIBOLO, Texas — Two neighbors urged the Cibolo City Council to use stronger code-enforcement tools after they described ongoing hazardous conditions at a nearby property that a resident says has lacked running water, electricity and safe heating facilities for more than two years.

John Holline and Richard Stockhammer told council during the citizens-to-be-heard period that 325 Sunrose Lane has been occupied by people who “have no legal authority to be there” since the owner died in 2022 and that the house has “deteriorated to the point of substandard structure” under the city code. Holline described human and animal waste, unsecured entry, missing utilities and an intentionally set backyard fire on Dec. 30, 2024 that spread to the structure.

The men said inspections and citations have not persuaded occupants or the estate’s representatives to make repairs, and they asked the council to use its authority to require remediation and hold a public hearing that could force repairs or abatement.

City Manager Wayne Reed responded that staff already is drafting an ordinance to strengthen enforcement options for substandard structures and that the item will be brought to council on the Jan. 28 agenda. Reed said staff is “engaged” on the issue and will seek a measure to enable “swift and effective” action.

Why it matters: Residents described repeated safety risks for neighbors and first responders — citing a recent fire — and urged faster city intervention. The city’s proposed ordinance may add tools staff can use to compel remediation or to use the legal process to clear hazards from the right-of-way.

What council did: No formal action or vote occurred tonight; staff committed to return with an ordinance for council consideration on Jan. 28.