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Laredo board approves demolition orders and building-securement for multiple substandard properties
Summary
On Nov. 12, 2025, a City of Laredo board approved demolition orders for several vacant, hazardous structures, allowed one owner time to obtain a permit to do demolition work, and ordered boarding of a separate property’s front entrance to address public-safety concerns.
A Laredo city board on Wednesday approved a series of actions aimed at removing or securing substandard buildings in a concentrated area of the city, citing public-safety hazards including loose sheet metal, unsecured openings and suspected drug activity.
The board voted to move forward with demolition orders for several properties and to require the front door of another large lot to be boarded. Staff detailed hazardous conditions and said some owners had not responded to notices; in other cases owners told staff they intend to comply. "We're recommending demolition because it's a hazard to the community," a staff member said during the meeting.
The decisions focused on vacant or partially vacant structures where inspectors documented failing roofs, loose sheet metal and reports of unauthorized activity. Edgar Orozco, zoning enforcement supervisor for the building department, addressed one owner by phone and told him, "We are suggesting a demolition order for your structure, because it does not meet code." The board directed staff to pursue the legal sequence outlined in the city's adopted ordinance and to coordinate with the historic commission where applicable.
Votes at a glance - 1715 Lincoln (Lot 2, Block 156 Western Division) — staff recommended demolition of the vacant structure; board moved and proceeded with the recommendation (motion carried on voice vote). - 1901 Grama (Enrique A. Sandoval) — owner Veronica Sandoval appeared and said she would prefer to pursue voluntary compliance; staff explained a demolition permit is available (fee $50) and valid six months (may be extended if work is underway); the board approved allowing the owner to pull a permit and work toward voluntary demolition/repair. - 1919 Idawa (Sergio Lopez, rear building) — staff recommended demolition of the rear building; owner and representative explained prior demolition efforts and a history of review by the historic commission; the board approved moving forward with a demolition order and asked that the city attorney review the file before further action and presentation to the historic commission. - 1801 Lincoln (Via Borelli, lots 55–57 Block 155 Western Division) — staff recommended securing the front door and front-facing structure; the board approved boarding/securing the building rather than immediate demolition.
What owners were told and next steps Staff said letters will be sent to property owners after required procedural steps; where a demolition order is approved and historic review is needed, staff will present the board's action to the historic commission and then notify owners with the time frame to act. One staff explanation noted that after historic approval an owner may still step in and perform demolition on their own, avoiding a city lien if they complete the work and obtain the permit. Staff told owners a demolition order notification typically gives the owner 30 days to act once the historic commission and required notices have been completed.
Owners who spoke at the meeting described a mix of circumstances. Veronica Sandoval said the property at 1901 Grama had been gifted to her and that she is working to improve credit and explore financing; she asked how the process works and whether she could do the demolition herself. Sergio Lopez and his representative described previous attempts to demolish and earlier reviews involving the historic commission and asbestos testing dating to 2020; Lopez said, "My plans are to demolish it, but not right now," and the board discussed how a demolition order could push the review process forward while still allowing him to step in later.
Staff reiterated their preference for voluntary compliance when feasible because it is cheaper for owners and avoids city lien processes. For owners who do not act, staff said the city will hire a licensed contractor, record a lien on the property and recover costs per ordinance. The board asked staff to consult the city attorney on files involving historic considerations before returning with updates at the next meeting.
The board adjourned and set its next meeting for Jan. 14, 2026.
