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San Antonio commission orders repairs or demolition for multiple unsafe properties
Summary
On April 9, 2026 the San Antonio Building Standards Commission found several buildings unsafe and ordered repairs for some main structures and demolition or deconstruction for multiple accessory or vacant buildings, citing structural rot, fire damage, and public-safety risks near schools.
SAN ANTONIO — The San Antonio Building Standards Commission on April 9 considered a batch of code-enforcement cases and voted to require repairs or to order demolition for several properties the city said pose safety risks.
Staff presented photographic evidence, inspection timelines and code citations for vacant, fire-damaged and structurally compromised buildings across the city. Commissioners approved motions that will require: the principal structure at 725 Ruper Street be repaired within 90 days while two accessory structures there be demolished within 30 days; rescheduling and documentation requirements for 1918 Macaula Avenue; demolition within 30 days at 2402 Hicks Avenue, 312 Fight Alley, 1728 El Monte Boulevard (accessory), and 206 Manifí Boulevard, and securing of 206 Manifí Boulevard so it is cleared of debris and not accessible to trespassers.
Why it matters: several properties presented to the commission were near schools or in pedestrian areas, creating possible public-safety concerns; staff repeatedly cited water intrusion, missing roof sections, exposed wiring and structural separation as reasons for the orders.
Staff Evidence and Rationale Jenny Ramírez, a staff presenter, told the commission about recent emergency demolitions and about the documentation for each case, including inspection dates and returned certified-mail notices. For 2402 Hicks Avenue staff said the vacant commercial building ‘‘is within 1,000 feet of Highlands High School’’ and showed photos of rotted wood, graffiti and open roof areas. For multiple cases staff repeated that the structures violate Chapter 6, Article 8, Section 156 (subsections listed in the record) and therefore met the municipal tests for being dangerous or unfit for habitation.
Owner responses and questioning Owners or owners’ representatives appeared in several cases. At 725 Ruper Street, owner José Guajardo told the commission he has been ill, has hired an engineer and a contractor and has placed a dumpster on site to begin work. ‘‘Yo me tomé mi equipo para hacer esto... y tengo al ingeniero que está trabajando...’’ he said, explaining that foundation and roofing work remain in progress. Staff and commissioners pressed him about whether concrete anchoring for the levelling work had been completed and whether permits were issued before repairs began; staff said some work began without complete permits or documentation.
Commission actions and votes The commission divided outcomes according to each property’s condition and available evidence. Motions were typically read into the record with specific timelines (for example, 30 days for demolition of inaccessible accessory buildings, 90 days for required repairs to a principal structure). Votes reported in the record show unanimous 6–0 decisions on several demolition motions; the 725 Ruper Street motion passed by recorded roll call with a majority in favor after discussion of submitted plans and outstanding requirements.
What happens next Staff told commissioners to notify owners of the orders and to provide guidance on required documentation and permits. For cases that were rescheduled, staff set deadlines for owners to deliver engineer reports, plans and financial responsibility letters. Commissioners also requested a presentation on deconstruction (materials reclamation and salvage) at a future meeting to clarify when deconstruction — rather than full demolition — is required and how reclaimed materials might be used for affordable housing and inventories.
Votes at a glance - 725 Ruper Street: Principal structure — repair required within 90 days; accessory structures No.1 and No.2 — demolition within 30 days (motion passed). - 1918 Macaula Avenue: Rescheduled; owner to supply plans, engineer report and financial documents (motion to reschedule passed 6–0). - 2402 Hicks Avenue (vacant commercial): Demolition within 30 days; property to be cleared of trash and debris (motion passed 6–0). - 1728 El Monte Boulevard (accessory): Demolition ordered within 30 days (motion passed 6–0). - 312 Fight Alley: Demolition within 30 days and property secured (motion passed 6–0). - 206 Manifí Boulevard: Demolition within 30 days and property to be secured and evacuated (motion passed 6–0).
The commission adjourned after finishing the agenda and setting follow-up deadlines for owners and staff.
