San Antonio board orders demolition of two unsafe houses, discusses deconstruction program

The San Antonio Board of Construction Standards voted unanimously on Feb. 6 to order demolition and leveling within 30 days of two vacant, fire-damaged residences after staff described extensive structural damage, rodent infestation and combustible debris at both sites.

The board declared 110 Lorita Drive (district 3) and 2310 Hicks Avenue (district 7) public nuisances that are not habitable under Chapter 6 of the city code and referenced subsections 1, 2, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 15, 17 and 18 in the motions. Staff recommended demolition for both properties and the board approved each motion by unanimous voice vote.

Sergio Quintanilla, a code enforcement officer with the Development Services Department, told the board that 110 Lorita Drive was vacant, had no contactable owner present and had been inspected after repeated notifications. Quintanilla summarized the inspection findings and recommended demolition. "El personal recomienda demolición," he said. Quintanilla described interior conditions including accumulated trash and debris that blocked safe access, water-damaged and missing roof components, separated exterior cladding and evidence that rodents and trespassers had entered the structures. He gave the board photos…