San Antonio building board orders repair, two demolitions and reschedules one case

The San Antonio Building Standards Board on Aug. 7 ordered repairs at 1335 Brighton Avenue, approved demolition orders for properties at 822 Junior Street and 2034 Lion Street, and rescheduled a separate case after staff found some owners had not been properly notified.

The board’s decisions, taken during a morning hearing, were driven by staff presentations that showed photographs and inspection notes the city says demonstrate structural deterioration, fire and water damage, exposed framing and public-safety risks. For the Brighton Avenue property the board set a 90-day schedule for repairs; the two demolition orders were set to take effect within 30 days.

City staff said the actions are intended to protect neighbors and to force property owners either to make repairs under city supervision or to clear unsafe structures.

City code and rationale City enforcement staff repeatedly cited the municipal code (Chapter 8, Building Safety and Maintenance; see related subsections listed for each property) when recommending orders. Staff also reminded owners that administrative remedies can be appealed to civil district court within 30 days under the city’s appeal provisions (cited in the hearing as section 16-236). Board members pressed for documentation showing financial ability and required engineering reports before work proceeds.

1335 Brighton Avenue — repair order Crystal Town, an official identified in the record as a Dangerous Premises Officer for the City of San Antonio, presented photos and inspection notes showing widespread rot, separated siding and a deteriorating roof at 1335 Brighton Avenue. Staff noted the structure was built in 1931 and listed multiple municipal-code subsections as violations.

The owner, Feliciano R. Certuche, told the board he has permits in hand for some work, that he is already sourcing materials and expects to complete repairs himself with occasional helpers. He asked for more time, saying “Probablemente unos 8 meses, a lo mejor menos” when asked about a timeline; board members and staff stressed that required permits (including foundation and trade permits) and an engineer’s letter are necessary before full work proceeds.

Motion and outcome: A motion that the structure be repaired was moved during the hearing; the board adopted a repair order requiring work to be completed within 90 days and monthly progress reports. Vote: 6–0 in favor.

822 Junior Street — demolition order Sergio Quintanilla, another Dangerous Premises Officer, described the residence at 822 Junior Street as having severe roof failure, exposed interior, broken windows and evidence of repeated trespass. Staff recommended demolition. Armando Toral (representing Besson Homes in the record) told the board his company intends to demolish the property and that it could begin arranging the work immediately.

Motion and outcome: The board voted to find the property a public nuisance and ordered demolition within 30 days; the motion passed 6–0.

2034 Lion Street — contested demolition order (4–2) Bridal Garza presented photographs and inspection findings for 2034 Lion Street showing fire and water damage, a collapsed roof section and extensive interior deterioration. Staff also reported multiple reductions/cleanup actions and that utilities had been secured.

Owner Orfa Pérez Alvarado said the property had been subject to repeated trespass and fire damage, that she owns the lot but does not live there, and that she and a contractor intend to repair in phases and have some materials on hand. She provided a phased plan (demolition of severely damaged material, then framing, trades and finishes) and said the work would likely take longer than 30 days; she estimated restoration labor and material costs at about $10,000 (owner’s estimate).

Board discussion focused on whether the structure could reasonably be repaired under the city’s timeline and evidence requirements (engineer’s letter, trade permits). After debate the board made a finding that the property constituted a public nuisance and ordered demolition within 30 days. Vote tally recorded in the hearing: Robert Tapia — yes; Paul Hernández — yes; Doris Solís — yes; Robert Bankey — no; Fred (Andes/Andres) — no; [other member recorded in attendance] — yes. Final vote: 4 yes, 2 no.

131 (Baz/Spat) Street — rescheduled due to notice issues An earlier case involving a property listed as 131 (appears in the record as both “Baz” and a variant like “Spat”) was removed from today’s calendar after staff determined that at least one owner or interested party had not been properly notified. The board agreed to reschedule the matter to a future hearing after staff completes additional notifications.

Minutes approval and procedure notes The board approved the minutes of its July 3 meeting by motion, 6–0. Staff reminded participants that Spanish interpretation was available during the hearing, that each public speaker had a three-minute limit (owners and their representatives were allowed additional time), and that appeals of board orders are routed to the civil district court within 30 days as noted in the staff presentation.

What owners must provide next For repair cases the board and staff reiterated that owners must submit required trade permits (electrical, plumbing, HVAC as applicable), an engineer’s letter when structural or foundation work is involved, and periodic progress reports (staff requested 30-day status updates for the Brighton case). For demolition orders the board instructed staff to explain the demolition-permit process and utility disconnection requirements to property owners.

Next steps Each owner subject to an order may appeal the administrative order to the civil district court within 30 days of the mailing of the order; otherwise the city will proceed under the timelines the board adopted at today’s hearing.