Commission grants 90 days to demolish deteriorated Briar Hill duplex

The City of Austin Building and Standards Commission on Feb. 20 adopted a demolition order for 1803 Briar Hill Drive, a single-family duplex the city found to be in substandard and unsafe condition. The commission set a 90-day compliance period for permits and demolition and agreed that completed demolition will satisfy the outstanding repair order.

Inspector Jason Henley told commissioners the case began after a 3-1-1 complaint transferred in October 2023 and that multiple inspections since November 2024 documented deteriorating roof components, holes in the ridge line and sagging roof lines. He presented photographs showing missing shingles, holes and sagging decking that led staff to recommend repair within 45 days and a civil penalty of $250 per week if compliance was not achieved.

Property representative Tim O’Brien, speaking for owner Helen Marguerite Peterson Altobello, said the family’s plan is to demolish the structure and either sell or rebuild when financially viable. O’Brien explained the home had suffered long-term settlement because of construction fill and a failing post-tension slab; the house was emptied only recently after extended efforts to remove belongings from an 88-year-old owner with health issues. “We have gone into some detail on the process by and reasons for which the house ended up in that state,” O’Brien said, and told commissioners the family had appropriated funds, sought demolition bids and believed they could secure a demolition permit and move in about 90 days.

Vice Chair Campbell moved to adopt staff findings and convert the recommended repair order to a demolition order with a 90-day compliance period; Commissioner Francis seconded the motion. Campbell said the demolition order reduces the risk the owner would be penalized if the property owner completed demolition in what could be a longer permitting cycle. The commission approved the motion unanimously: Commissioner Tomlovich (aye), Commissioner Lockhart (aye), Commissioner Ostalugo (aye), Commissioner Francis (aye), Commissioner Selig (aye), Vice Chair Campbell (aye) and Chair Timothy Stowstad (aye).

Inspector Henley and the family were advised to coordinate with Development Services staff during plan review and permit processing. The commission’s order requires the owner to obtain and finalize necessary permits, demolish the residential structure and any accessory structures, remove debris leaving the lot clean and raked, and request inspections to verify compliance. If compliance is not achieved on the 91st day the code official is authorized to proceed with demolition; costs can be assessed and recorded as liens, with interest accruing at 10% per year.

Background: the property’s case was opened in October 2023 from a complaint and was inspected repeatedly between November 2024 and February 2025. Staff and the owner agree demolition will resolve the safety concerns; the commission extended the compliance period to 90 days to accommodate permitting and contractor scheduling.