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Building Standards Board orders demolition and vacancy for 127 Inez Avenue after DART findings
Summary
The San Antonio Building Standards Board found 127 Inez Avenue a public nuisance, ordered the main and accessory structures vacated, secured, utilities disconnected and demolished within 30 days; the owner’s attorney said family intends to cooperate but needs time.
The San Antonio Building Standards Board on Feb. 13 ordered demolition and vacancy for the property at 127 Inez Avenue after code enforcement and police described repeated criminal activity, multiple safety hazards and structural dilapidation.
Crystal Towne, dangerous‑premises officer with Development Services, presented photos and an inspection timeline that showed missing foundation skirting, rotted sill beams, spliced electrical cords, an attached unpermitted carport with failing posts, and an accessory structure with a sagging roof and occupied by persons staying inside. Towne said no permits, no scope of work and no financial proof had been provided to Development Services. Towne recommended demolition of both the main and accessory structures and vacating the property.
Anthony Pena of the San Antonio Police Department’s West Safe Unit told the board the property was the site of multiple arrests and calls for service, including recovered stolen vehicles, narcotics arrests, shots fired and a recent fire. Pena said calls for service to the address totaled 16 since August 2024.
The owner’s attorney, Steven Gross, told the board the family does not contest the property’s condition and said the owner listed on county records, Sydney Epstein, is deceased and probate records are in flux. Gross asked the board to give the family time to either present a plan or consent to demolition. Gross said the family would accept service at counsel’s address if the board preferred.
Board member motion language found that the property constituted a public nuisance under City Code Chapter 6, Article 8, and that repair was not feasible. The motion, which included friendly amendments to secure the property and disconnect utilities, passed by roll call 8–0. The board ordered the property vacated, secured, utilities disconnected and demolished within 30 days of the order.
The board record shows staff relied on Chapter 6, Article 8 (City Code sections cited in staff materials) in recommending demolition; the Office of Historic Preservation found the property was not eligible for historic designation. The owner’s representative said he would work with police and the family to remove occupants and to update appraisal‑district records for notice purposes.
