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San Antonio board orders demolitions for several fire-damaged and dilapidated properties; one case reset
Summary
The Building Standards Board voted to order demolition for multiple properties after staff presentations showing fire damage, structural failure and public-safety concerns. One case (5246 Village Crest) was reset up to 90 days to allow an agent to provide a power of attorney, scope of work and financial proof.
The San Antonio Building Standards Board on March 5 voted to demolish multiple properties it found to be public nuisances after presentations by Development Services code officers and testimony from officers and agents.
Staff recommended demolition for buildings including 214 Brook Street, 267 North San Gabriel Avenue, 165 Stribling, 711 West Gerald Avenue (accessory structure), and 256 Bridal Street, citing fire damage, structural failure, missing weather protection, and interior debris that blocked egress. The board approved each demolition order, typically requiring removal within 30 days and clearing of trash and debris; several motions also included vacate and secure orders.
One case, 5246 Village Crest, was reset to the board's next available date but no later than 90 days so the owner's agent could present a written power of attorney, an itemized scope of work, and evidence of funds or an engineer’s report. Legal counsel told the board an explicit, written power of attorney is required to demonstrate agency authority before the board will accept an agent’s commitments.
Key votes and outcomes (by address): - 214 Brook Street — declared a public nuisance; demolition ordered within 30 days; vacate and secure order added. Roll call: Dwayne Nelson no; Anne Wehner yes; Paul Hernandez no; Dora Solis yes; Robert Behnke yes; Fred Andes yes; Ryan Baldwin yes. Motion passed 5–2. - 5246 Village Crest — case reset to the next available date, not later than 90 days; agent must provide power of attorney, scope of work, financial proof and relevant reports; board also required securing the primary structure and allowed a perimeter fence. - 267 North San Gabriel Avenue — declared a public nuisance; demolition ordered within 30 days; vacate order added. Motion carried unanimously. - 165 Stribling (main + two accessory structures) — declared public nuisances; demolitions ordered within 30 days. Motion carried unanimously. - 711 West Gerald Avenue (accessory structure) — declared a public nuisance; demolition ordered within 30 days. Motion carried unanimously. - 256 Bridal Street — declared a public nuisance; demolition ordered within 30 days; vacate order included. Motion carried unanimously.
Board and staff emphasized that owners or their authorized representatives may submit a detailed scope of work, cost estimates, proof of financial ability and engineer or fire-marshal reports to propose repairs instead of demolition. Legal counsel advised that written documentation of agency (power of attorney) is needed for someone appearing on an owner's behalf to bind the owner to a plan.
