San Antonio building board orders demolition or deconstruction for multiple unsafe properties

The San Antonio Building Standards Board on June 5, 2025 voted unanimously to order demolition or deconstruction of several residential and commercial structures it found unsafe, and staff reported four recent emergency demolitions that required no further board action.

Board Chair Esther Ortiz opened the session and Jenny Ramírez, Code Compliance manager for the City of San Antonio, summarized emergency demolitions already carried out and introduced multiple cases the board considered that day. The board’s actions impose 30-day demolition or deconstruction deadlines on properties found to present hazards to the public.

Why it matters: several of the structures cited by staff were within walking routes or about 1,000 feet of schools, had repeated fires, visible structural collapse, or evidence of unauthorized occupancy — conditions the city says pose a risk to public safety and nearby residents.

Staff presentations and board decisions

910 North Navidad Street — The city’s dangerous‑premises officer, Crystal Town, told the board the single‑family house showed “daño severo por fuego” and widespread smoke and water damage, and that investigators had documented at least three prior fires (Feb. 17, 2023; July 30, 2023; Jan. 2024). Officer Willis Scott of the San Antonio Police Department described repeated calls for fights, narcotics use and trespass at the address. Town concluded the structure “no está en condiciones para ser habitada” and recommended demolition. The board voted 5‑0 to order demolition within 30 days and to secure and clear the site.

1322 Roosevelt Avenue (also discussed as 1322 Westville) — Owner Kenji Dokamar and his son told the board they had spoken with contractors and intended to remove the structure. The owners and a contractor said they had expected a conventional demolition; staff explained the city’s newer deconstruction rules (meant to salvage reusable materials) and presented estimates for certified deconstruction work. Legal staff advised the board on wording; the board approved an order that allows the owners to proceed under the city’s deconstruction protocol but recorded the remedy as demolition subject to the deconstruction code. The motion, as read into the record, gave owners 30 days to begin the deconstruction process; the vote was 5‑0.

5522 Gavilan Drive (aka 5642 Old Prestle/Opinsa Road) — Owner René Salazar was present and told the board he had sought permits and hired a contractor but said an asbestos survey returned positive, complicating the work. Staff showed photos of partial roof collapse and interior structural failure and recommended demolition. The board voted 5‑0 to order demolition in 30 days and removal of debris; staff told Salazar to coordinate with the code officer on the permit and asbestos remediation process.

3511 El Paso Street (recorded as 35 11 El Paso Street) — Staff said the property had fire damage, exposed framing and interior collapse. Owner José Castro said foundation work had been permitted previously but repairs ceased and no current financial assurances or work plans were on file. Staff recommended demolition; the board voted 5‑0 to order demolition within 30 days and to clear the site.

1815 Adamston Drive — The board heard from Solamán Franklin, who said his father (the owner, Charles Franklin) is deceased and family members requested six months to pursue sale or repair. Staff presented photos showing severe fire and water damage and structural collapse and recommended demolition. The board voted 5‑0 to order demolition within 30 days; staff told the family they could consult with the code officer about timelines and permit requirements but the order was approved as read.

Earlier emergency actions reported by staff — Jenny Ramírez reported that four properties previously presented to staff had already been demolished as emergency actions and therefore required no board action: 112 Hillary Street (agreement signed May 12, 2025), 1924 Moctezuma Street (fire May 6, 2025; demolished May 20, 2025), 630 Gillette (fire May 13, 2025; demolished May 16, 2025) and 807 Bailey (fire May 16, 2025; demolished May 22, 2025). Ramírez identified these as already completed and not subject to further board orders.

Owner statements and city guidance

Owners and family members appeared in several cases and described attempts to obtain permits or to contract for work. Kenji Dokamar told the board, “hemos hablado con diferentes contratistas y hemos llegado a un punto en que se pueda demoler,” and asked for clarity after learning the city’s process would treat the work as deconstruction rather than simple demolition. René Salazar said an asbestos report was positive and asked how that affected the schedule: “hicimos un reporte de asbestos y fue positivo.” Solamán Franklin asked for more time to sell or renovate his family’s house and requested six months while they secure financing; the board approved the 30‑day order but staff said owners could follow up with code to discuss permits and any possible timelines.

Votes at a glance

- 910 North Navidad Street — Motion to demolish; outcome: approved 5‑0; order: demolition within 30 days, secure site and remove debris. - 1322 Roosevelt Avenue (aka 1322 Westville) — Motion to allow deconstruction under city code (final order recorded as demolition subject to the deconstruction code); outcome: approved 5‑0; order: begin deconstruction/demolition process within 30 days. - 5522 Gavilan Drive (aka 5642 Old Prestle/Opinsa Road) — Motion to demolish; outcome: approved 5‑0; order: demolition within 30 days, clear debris. - 3511 El Paso Street (35 11 El Paso Street) — Motion to demolish; outcome: approved 5‑0; order: demolition within 30 days, clear debris. - 1815 Adamston Drive — Motion to demolish; outcome: approved 5‑0; order: demolition within 30 days, clear debris.

What the board did not do

- No board action was required for the four properties Ramírez reported as already demolished by emergency order (112 Hillary Street; 1924 Moctezuma Street; 630 Gillette; 807 Bailey).

Next steps

Staff told owners and representatives to coordinate with the assigned code officer to confirm permit status, asbestos‑remediation steps where relevant and timing for removal or deconstruction work. The board adjourned after the final cases and announced routine administrative updates; staff noted a follow‑up meeting scheduled for June 12, 2025.