SSRB sets $500-per-day penalties, raises demolition bond requirement for 204 West Gardenia Street

The Substandard Review Board voted March 5 to begin civil administrative penalties of $500 per day starting April 16, 2025, and to require an increased demolition surety for the property at 204 West Gardenia Street in Padre Beach after the owner failed to provide required plans, permits, and a structural schedule.

The building official, Fili, reported that owner Mr. Yerina submitted a $150,000 surety bond described in the meeting as for remodeling and slab work, but that the owner had not obtained permits or commenced work ordered in earlier SSRB decisions. The board noted prior orders that required a detailed plan of work and a structural report and found those items were not submitted by the deadlines specified in the orders.

A motion before the board instructed that civil administrative penalties commence at $500 per day effective April 16, 2025, and that the demolition surety be increased. During debate a member moved to amend the demolition bond to $100,000; that amendment was seconded and the motion carried by voice vote. The board carried the final motion by voice vote (“Aye”).

The building official said the previously submitted bond is for remodeling and slab and that the board had ordered different documentation and deadlines. The board’s action requires the owner to submit updated bonding that explicitly covers demolition and to provide the outstanding engineering plans and permits. The board did not order immediate demolition; it authorized penalties and bonding changes and tasked the building department with follow-up.