The City of Austin Building and Standards Commission on Oct. 29 adopted staff findings and reduced a civil penalty tied to a long‑running repair order for a house at 5207 Prock Lane. The commission affirmed that the property had met compliance after demolition in June 2025 and lowered the outstanding penalty from $16,444.85 to $5,444.85; an amended order will be mailed.

Staff had said the original complaint dated to Nov. 6, 2017, and that the commission’s September 2022 order required repairs and imposed a $250‑per‑week civil penalty if compliance was not achieved. Investigator Farrah Presley presented pre‑ and post‑compliance photos and the city’s penalty calculation; she told the commission the new owner obtained permits and demolished the structure in June 2025.

Cody Carr, who identified himself as the new owner and an Austin resident, said he purchased the property from a family that had struggled through probate and that he intended to “pass through back to the original family” any relief the commission allowed. Former occupant and family member Willie Mae Hutchins described health and financial difficulties during testimony; family representative Joshua Brunsman said the family had spent substantial funds on legal fees during a multi‑year dispute.

Vice Chair Francis moved to adopt staff findings but reduce the outstanding civil penalty to a lower, “low‑complexity” amount intended to cover city costs; the motion was seconded and carried on a 9–0 roll call. The order includes the reduced penalty amount and a 30‑day payment window if further amendment is needed. The commission’s decision will be mailed and may be appealed to district court within 30 days.

The commission admitted a PDF and video news clip from a 2021 broadcast as exhibits during the hearing. Staff will continue to administer the penalty process and monitor any follow‑up required by the order.