San Antonio board orders demolitions and one 90-day repair deadline for unsafe houses

The San Antonio Building Standards Board voted on July 3 to declare several privately owned residences public nuisances and to order demolition at multiple addresses, while directing repair at another property with a 90-day compliance deadline.

The board found that multiple single-family dwellings presented hazards to public safety and health because of structural deterioration, fire damage, lack of utilities, open access to the elements and evidence of unauthorized occupancy. Board members voted unanimously on each motion.

Why it matters: The board’s rulings clear properties it says are unsafe and set legally enforceable timelines for demolition or repair. Several of the properties are within a short distance of schools and neighborhood streets, raising concerns from police and staff about trespassing, illegal activity and risk to children and first responders.

City staff presented photographic inspections and notification histories for each case, noting inspection and posting dates, lack of required permits or engineering reports, and, in some cases, active nuisance activity at the sites.

Key actions and outcomes

- 306 Chipinque: City staff reported extensive structural collapse, broken windows, animal access under joists, interior filth and evidence the vacant building had been used by people without permission. The board found the property to be a public nuisance under City Code Chapter 8, Article 6 (subsections cited in staff materials) and ordered demolition and removal of debris; the motion passed 5-0. The staff report notes the structure had an initial dangerous-structure inspection in March 2025 and an administrative order executed May 29, 2025; no permits or engineering reports were submitted.

- 4147 Sunrise Creek Drive: Staff described collapsed framing, missing utilities since 2019, rotted sheathing and interior collapse. An attorney appearing for a bank asked for additional time; staff noted the owner had been notified and the property is not eligible for historic designation. The board found the property a public nuisance and ordered demolition and securing of the property within 30 days; the motion passed 5-0.

- 218 (listed variously in the record as West Trixton/West Jexon/West Dixon): Staff presented photos showing severe deterioration, evidence of smoke or fire damage, and recurrent unauthorized occupancy. Police described repeated calls and intrusions. The board declared the property a public nuisance and ordered demolition within 30 days; the motion passed 5-0.

- 262 Wingate Avenue: Staff recommended repair rather than demolition after inspection showed water and roof damage and partial fire damage. The property owner or owner’s representative said they had obtained some permits and contractors were engaged. The board approved a motion requiring the owner to repair the property and bring it into code compliance within 90 days, with staff reporting progress every 30 days; the motion passed 5-0.

- 244 Dark Hirst Drive: City staff described extreme fire damage leaving large holes in the roof, charred interior, and collapsed structural members. No owner contact was verified; staff reported the recorded owner is deceased. The board ordered demolition within 30 days; the motion passed 5-0.

- 2535 (Schlide/Schlive) Avenue (accessory structure): Staff presented photos showing severe rot, missing siding, open windows and extensive debris inside an accessory structure. The board found the accessory building a public nuisance and ordered demolition within 30 days; the motion passed 5-0.

What staff and others said

Crystal Town, a development department staff member, summarized one early case and noted inspection dates and that no permits or engineering reports had been filed for that property.

Officer Peña of the West Security Unit said the vacant house at 306 Chipinque attracted unauthorized entry, hand-to-hand transactions and a recent shooting nearby; staff photographed a weapon found during an arrest at the property. "People are coming in without permission and remaining there," Peña said, describing the site as attractive to trespassers because it was vacant.

Owner Sheren Hears told the board she had purchased a property at auction and said she had been working with contractors, obtained a fire-assessment report and secured some permits after the city’s notices. "I have been making efforts to secure and repair the property," Hears said, adding she expected contractors to complete major repairs within about 90 days.

Board action and follow-up

For properties ordered demolished, the board’s motions directed demolition and removal of debris and that sites be secured. For 262 Wingate Avenue, the board required repairs completed within 90 days and directed staff to report progress every 30 days. In at least one case, the board accepted a request from a bank’s attorney to discuss the owner’s status, but the board still moved forward with the standard demolition timeline.

The board’s findings referenced City Code Chapter 8, Article 6, and multiple subsections enumerated in staff presentations; staff also noted whether properties were eligible for historic designation (staff repeatedly stated several properties were not eligible).

The board voted unanimously on each motion (5-0). The meeting record shows repeated staff requests to owners and agents to provide engineering reports, detailed repair timelines and itemized cost estimates as needed to support requests for alternatives to demolition.

Looking ahead: Owners granted repair timelines will be monitored by code staff, and demolition orders proceed on the 30-day timetable unless the record shows compliance or other lawful intervention. The board also discussed internal process issues about case ownership when staff assignments change.