Irving commission orders appearances, closes compliant cases and sets Oct. 21 deadline for dilapidated South Irving Heights property

The City of Irving Buildings and Standards Commission on July 23 considered nine code-enforcement cases, approving staff recommendations in each instance and setting a firm deadline for one property the commission found dilapidated.

Staff presentations summarized progress and outstanding issues across continued cases and new filings. Blake Peoples, building programs coordinator, asked the commission to order the owner of S.C.P. 23040001415 (West Pioneer Drive) to appear for an update at the Sept. 24, 2025 hearing after permits were issued for recent siding, window and fence work. The commission voted to accept that recommendation.

Julia Cuellar, code enforcement specialist, described BSCP 2306-0022585 (2701 West Irving Boulevard), where demolition that began May 19 was completed July 17; staff recommended closing the case for compliance, and the commission approved the closure. Cuellar also reported on BSCP 2306-0003 (2024 Sandy Lane): the owner obtained permits and removed building materials down to the foundation; staff recommended closing that case for compliance and the commission accepted the recommendation.

On cases where violations remain, staff sought orders to appear or civil penalties. For S.C.P. 240300021016 (Compton Avenue) staff noted the property is vacant and unfit for habitation; an internal update flagged the parcel as subject to a pending tax-foreclosure by Dallas County, which limits the city's immediate enforcement options. Commissioners approved the staff recommendation to order the owner to appear in September.

In B.S.C.P. 240200021129 (Missy Lane), staff proposed civil penalties of $5 per violation per day for six violations for 31 days (06/23/2025–07/23/2025), totaling $930, for failure to comply with a prior order. The commission adopted the staff recommendation.

The commission also considered B.S.C.P. 2302-00004910 (Oakland Drive), where the owner’s daughter, Gwen, presented photos of exterior and interior repairs but disclosed interior termite damage and damaged studs. Dale Demers, code enforcement manager, confirmed at least four violations remain. Staff requested the owner appear on Sept. 24, 2025 to update progress; the commission accepted the order to appear and will review whether civil penalties should be assessed at that time.

The meeting’s most contested item was a new case, B.S.C.P. 240200001 (1509 South Irving Heights). Peoples presented photographs showing severe rot, a collapsed back deck, detached three-car garage damage and a deteriorated pool house. Staff recommended inspection through Sept. 21, 2025, authorization for the city to enter and demolish structures after Sept. 22, 2025 if repairs or demolition were not completed, and civil penalties of up to $1,000 per day for missed deadlines.

Property owner Victor Murado spoke in his defense, saying he has contractors in place and asking for more time. "I have, contractors in place already to start the process and the permits to do the property as whatever you request," Murado said, adding that 90 days "would work" to get permits and inspections scheduled. The commission debated timelines and ultimately amended staff’s recommendation, requiring the owner to repair or demolish the property no later than Oct. 21, 2025; the city may enter the property and remove debris on or after Oct. 22 if the work is not completed. The motion passed unanimously.

All motions taken at the meeting passed unanimously. The commission closed the session after the final vote.

What happens next: owners ordered to appear will return on their scheduled dates (most commonly Sept. 24 or Nov. 19, 2025) to report progress; staff will monitor compliance and may assess civil penalties or authorize city abatement and demolition if deadlines are missed.