Building Standards Board resets 131 Spats Street case after staff identifies additional owner

The San Antonio Building Standards Board on Aug. 7, 2025, voted to reset consideration of 131 Spats Street after staff told the board a partial owner may not have been notified of the public hearing.

Crystal Towne, dangerous premises officer with the City of San Antonio Development Services Department, had opened the case and described inspections and notices related to the property and recommended demolition. Daniel Trejo (identified as the deceased owner’s son), San Antonio Police Department Officer Joe Pena and attorney Paul Burgess were present to speak on behalf of the property during the hearing. Towne told the board that a certified return receipt for the mailed notice had not been returned and that the Office of Historic Preservation found the property ineligible for historic designation.

During the presentation staff reported that additional research suggested a partial owner had not been previously notified. City legal staff advised that because the board had already begun the presentation, it must formally continue the case to allow additional notice to any parties of interest. The board then took a motion to continue the case rather than adjudicate it at the same hearing.

Robert Behnke moved to reset the case until further notice; Robert Tapia seconded. The board voted 6–0 to reset the matter for further notice. No demolition or repair order was issued at this meeting. The board directed staff to re-notify any owners and bring the case back when proper notice has been completed.

Because the hearing was reset, no final determination on repair or demolition was made and no deadlines were imposed at this meeting. The case will return to a future Building Standards Board docket after staff completes additional notice and confirms parties of interest have been given the mandated opportunities to respond.