San Antonio Board orders demolitions for multiple unsafe homes; one property given 30 days for repairs

The City of San Antonio Building Standards Board moved on Nov. 13 to remove or secure several hazardous properties across the city after development services officers presented photographic evidence of fire damage, rotted framing, missing utilities and repeated calls for police service.

The board voted to demolish the structures at 3101 Oak Drive, 2517 Ruiz Street, 825 Montezuma Street, 9500 Simplicity Drive (accessory structures), and 4234 Wild Oak Drive, and it ordered the owner of 601 South Hackberry to repair the house within 30 days. Staff presentations documented missing roof decking, charred framing from prior fires, detached siding and interior collapse in several cases; officers also flagged public-safety risks such as needles or repeated vagrant activity.

‘We’ve had well over a 100 calls for service, just to 9‑1‑1,’ SAPD Officer Anthony Pena told the board during consideration of 3101 Oak Drive, citing narcotics and disturbance complaints spanning several years. Development services staff had recommended repair and vacation for 3101 Oak, but after public testimony and a motion the board declared the property a public nuisance and ordered demolition within 30 days; the motion passed by roll call, 6–0.

At 3101 Oak the owner was represented by attorney Scott Stiles, who urged the board to allow time for a sale and probate work so the owner could preserve the value of the inherited property. ‘What I’m trying to do is to help her preserve her financial interest in the house,’ Stiles said, asking the panel to recommend repair and “give us some runway” while probate proceeds.

For several other cases staff recommended demolition based on structural failure and ongoing public-safety concerns. Ryan Garza presented photos showing severe subfloor collapse and water damage at 2517 Ruiz Street; staff recommended demolition and the board ordered removal within 30 days (motion passed 6–0).

At 825 Montezuma, dangerous‑premises officer Bergarian Bledsoe documented interior debris, needles and a shifting accessory structure. Renee Gonzales of the Esperanza Community Land Trust asked the board to delay demolition to explore affordable‑housing preservation and rehabilitation. The board first tied on a procedural motion to reset the case and then adopted a motion to demolish both the main and accessory structures with an added vacate notice and securement condition; the final vote carried 5–1.

The board split its approach when staff recommended REPAIR rather than demolition at 601 South Hackberry, a pier‑and‑beam house with fire and smoke damage presented by Cynthia Santana. Owner Angela Jarman said she will use retirement funds and is working to secure contractors; the board voted unanimously to require repairs within 30 days and to return if staff deems additional action necessary.

At 9500 Simplicity Drive staff recommended a partial demolition for an accessory garage that is attached to a neighboring structure and full demolition of a rear shed; the board approved demolition items for both accessories and required utilities be disconnected for the accessory to be removed. Board members and staff discussed coordination with the neighbor to sever shared roof decking and to cap exposed wiring before any work that could affect the adjacent property.

Finally, staff presented a long record of abatements and city liens for 4234 Wild Oak Drive arising from repeated break‑ins, unsecured windows and roof failure; the board ordered demolition within 30 days and noted existing city liens for abatement costs.

By practice, owners and owner representatives were asked to consult with code officers immediately after the hearing to learn next steps, timelines and processes for appeals. Development Services staff also conveyed a personnel update: Kevin Ryan Baldwin has been appointed to the Building Standards Board and the at‑large seat application process remains open through Nov. 21.

Votes at a glance

- 3101 Oak Drive — Motion to demolish and secure the property within 30 days. Motion passed by roll call 6–0. (Mover: George Grimes Jr.; second: not specified by name in the transcript.)

- 2517 Ruiz Street — Motion to demolish; motion passed 6–0. (Mover: speaker recorded as making the motion; seconded; roll call reflects unanimous approval.)

- 825 Montezuma Street — Motion to demolish main and accessory structures within 30 days, with vacate notice and securement; motion passed 5–1 after an earlier tied motion to reset. (Mover: George Grimes Jr.; second: recorded; final tally 5–1.)

- 601 South Hackberry — Staff recommended repair; board ordered repairs to be completed within 30 days. Motion carried 6–0.

- 9500 Simplicity Drive (accessories) — Partial demolition for the front garage and full demolition for the rear shed; utilities to be disconnected for the accessory removed. Motion passed 5–0.

- 4234 Wild Oak Drive — Motion to demolish; motion passed 5–0. Staff noted multiple prior abatements and liens.

What happens next

For each property the board’s order directs development services to coordinate abatement, securement, or supervised demolition; code officers are to meet privately with owners or representatives after the hearing to explain the orders, appeal rights and timelines. Owners who object may file appeals in civil district court as described in the order.