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Building and Standards Commission orders demolition timeline for unsafe structure at Vulcan Avenue after residents report drugs, trespass and fires
Summary
The commission accepted staff recommendations to declare the property at 4670 Vulcan Avenue unsafe and ordered demolition within 30 days unless the owner or an authorized contractor obtains permits and completes demolition sooner; neighbors described ongoing trespass, drug use and safety hazards.
The Building and Standards Commission of the City of El Paso on April 17 approved a staff recommendation that the main and accessory structures at 4670 Vulcan Avenue be demolished, giving the owner a minimum 30 days to clear the property or for an owner‑appointed contractor to obtain a demolition permit and act sooner.
City inspectors told the commission the single‑family dwelling and two accessory structures are in severe disrepair, with collapsed load‑bearing walls, exposed electrical wiring, temporary shoring and open points of entry that have allowed squatters to occupy the property. Inspectors reported 25 PD complaints and multiple property maintenance cases since mid‑2022, and said the current investigation began January 6, 2025. The property was described as unsanitary, contaminated with debris and a safety hazard; inspector Felix Federigo said water and electricity were active as of January 30, 2025, while gas service was not active.
The department recommended revocation of the certificate of occupancy and ordered demolition within 30 days of the commission's order; staff said the city may secure the property, perform demolition and place a lien on the parcel for costs if the owner does not comply.
Neighbors and nearby residents told the commission they have experienced ongoing trespass, drug use and fires at the location. Janet Rivera, who said she lives next door, told the commission she has reported illegal activity to police and has seen late‑night bonfires and people living in tents on the lot. "I feel like this should be demolished yesterday," Rivera said, describing fear for her family's safety.
Officer Saul Bujedis of the police department said officers have responded frequently to the address and that officers and code enforcement have cleared the site multiple times; he said the address had 25 calls for service this year and multiple arrests connected to the property. He also noted ongoing investigations, including an aggravated assault associated with the address.
Commissioners asked staff whether a faster response was available; staff replied that state law requires the commission to grant a minimum of 30 days to property owners and interested parties, unless a building official or the fire marshal determines an "imminent hazard" or "imminent danger," which would allow expedited boarding or demolition. Staff said if imminent danger is found, the city can proceed with faster demolition, possibly within about a week after declaration, and that staff would coordinate writs of entry, police assistance and contractor scheduling if necessary.
An interested party who said he has worked on the property said the owner is incarcerated and that a contractor could pull a demolition permit if authorized by the owner; staff confirmed a demolition permit can be pulled by a registered contractor and that doing so would allow the contractor to move forward sooner than city‑led demolition.
The commission voted to accept staff recommendations and order demolition per the 30‑day timeline; commissioners also authorized staff to inspect the property for imminent threat criteria and to act more quickly if the building official or fire marshal makes that finding.
