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…