Council overturns demolition order for 2606 Fort Lavaca Drive after repairs

The Victoria City Council overturned a Building Standards Commission demolition order for the property at 2606 Fort Lavaca Drive after staff and the property owner showed evidence of completed repairs at a specially called Sept. 9 meeting.

Building Standards staff member Miss Fulgrim told council the roof has been repaired, glass replaced, and substantial cleanout and interior repairs completed since the commission issued the demolition order on Aug. 5. “I can happily report that it is no longer a substandard building and staff does recommend that council overturn the order,” Fulgrim said.

The property owner and a family member addressed council and said they had carried out the repairs and look forward to doing more business in Victoria and paying taxes. After a council member moved to overturn the demolition order, a second was recorded; the motion carried on a voice vote and the demolition order was overturned.

Why it matters: The Building Standards Commission had ordered demolition based on previously documented substandard conditions. Staff inspection and owner-initiated repairs led staff to recommend overturning the order, allowing the building to remain in use provided repairs are maintained.

Process and outcome details: - Subject property: 2606 Fort Lavaca Drive, Victoria. - Staff recommendation: Building Standards staff recommended overturning the demolition order after inspecting the repaired property and viewing photos and video submitted to council. - Owner comment: The property owner and his father addressed council, confirmed repairs and expressed intent to continue doing business in the city. - Council action: Motion to overturn the demolition order was made and seconded; the council voted by voice and the order was overturned.

Ending: With the order overturned, the council moved on to a scheduled executive session. Staff will continue to monitor compliance as required by the city’s building-standards process.