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Board orders demolition of 10466 Country Horn; officials to cut services
Summary
After staff described severe structural decay and no viable repair plan, the Building Standards Board voted unanimously April 3 to demolish the house at 10466 Country Horn and disconnect utilities.
The San Antonio Building Standards Board on April 3 unanimously ordered demolition of the building at 10466 Country Horn, finding the property in a condition that is not feasible to repair and that it presents a threat to the neighborhood.
Britgaryen Blitzso, the Dangerous Properties officer presenting the case, summarized the notice and inspection history dating to a first contact on Sept. 27, 2023. Staff said the owner — identified in department records as John McLaffin (or John McDonald's in outreach records) — had received repeated notices, had not submitted work plans or evidence of financing, and had not pulled permits. Photographs in the staff packet showed large roof holes, missing siding, interior drywall collapse, water damage and debris spread through the house.
Blitzso told the board she found no evidence of an active occupant and that Neighborhood Housing outreach efforts had been attempted but no viable repair plan or financing had been provided to date. The property lies near an active school route and staff said the condition poses risk for trespass and potential fire or safety hazards.
Multiple neighbors gave public comment asking for demolition, citing habitual vandalism, trespass and a long history of complaints. The record included emailed comments from nearby residents and parents citing the property’s proximity to bus stops and an elementary/middle school.
A motion to order demolition and to cut all services carried unanimously. The motion required demolition within 30 days and directed staff to secure the site and remove debris. No contractor timeline or city-funded demolition plan was announced at the hearing; staff said they would solicit bids and proceed under the code if the owner did not comply.
Why it matters: Board action prioritizes neighborhood safety near a school route and transfers responsibility for immediate securing and removal to the property owner or, failing that, to the city’s enforcement process. The order included a utility cutoff to limit hazards while the site awaits demolition.
