Board orders demolition of 2034 Lyon Street over owner’s repair proposal; vote 4–2

The San Antonio Building Standards Board on Aug. 7, 2025, voted 4–2 to declare the structure at 2034 Lyon Street a public nuisance and ordered demolition within 30 days. Staff had recommended demolition citing extensive fire, smoke and water damage and long-term interior deterioration.

Ryan Garza, dangerous premises officer, presented photos showing heavy fire, smoke and water damage to ceiling and rafters, collapsed drywall, exposed studs, spongy subflooring and large amounts of trash and debris. Garza said the structure was within 1,000 feet of Washington Irving Dual Language Academy; city contractors had secured the property and San Antonio Police Department personnel had found occupants during earlier inspections.

Owner Orfa Perez Alvarado Lopez appeared with a Spanish interpreter and provided a scope of work and bank statements she said showed funds to repair the house. She described a phased repair plan: structural framing and roof repairs, electrical and plumbing inspections and permits, windows and doors, flooring and trim, and driveway and fence work. She requested more time and estimated a phased timeline that staff and some board members interpreted as about 30–45 days to complete initial work, though she acknowledged permit and inspection timing could extend the schedule.

During deliberation the board discussed whether the owner’s evidence met the statutory burden to show repair feasibility. Two board members—Robert Behnke and Fred Andes—voted against demolition, expressing concern about ordering demo when the owner had presented funds and a scope. The remaining four members voted to demolish. The motion to demolish was made by Robert Tapia and seconded by Doris Solis; roll call produced a 4–2 result in favor of demolition. Staff will proceed with the demolition order and advised the owner of appeal rights and the process for follow-up with code staff.