Council orders demolition of substandard structure at 1501 Houston

The City Council, sitting as the Board of Minimum Housing, approved an order to demolish the substandard structure at 1501 Houston (case MH2601) and require the owner to remove debris at the owner’s expense. Philip Mize, the city’s chief building official, told the board the building has been boarded or left with missing windows and doors, had its brick siding removed, had no water service since 1999 and was inspected as recently as Sept. 24, 2025. “Staff's recommendation for 1501 Houston is to issue a demolition order, for the structure and the removal of all debris at the property as owner expense,” Mize said.

Mayor opened the public hearing at 6:45 p.m.; no owner or other speakers appeared and the hearing was closed at 6:46 p.m. Mayor Pro Tem Weiss moved to adopt the demolition order and Councilmember House seconded. The clerk recorded the result in the transcript as “We have a vote of 7 4,” after which the mayor stated the demolition order was approved. The city will notify the owner and require abatement within 30 days; if the owner fails to act, the city will proceed and place appropriate liens, according to the staff presentation and motion.