Demolition by neglect

[Katherine Hess]

Our Planning Commission and Historical Resources Management Commission are working through the legal and policy issues for adopting a demolition ordinance. One of the hardest issues they're facing is dealing with the concept of demilition by neglect. The Commissioners are concerned that a demolition ordinance exempting properties that are unsafe or irrepairable would encourage property owners to let their buildings deteriorate. Has anyone found a way to address this?

 

[Cardinal]

Do you have a property maintenance code? Having one and enforcing it would prevent the properties from being neglected in the first place.

 

[David Danenfelzer]

Texas has a demolition by neglect law on the books that is rarely used. The city of San Antonion, however, has used and enforced the state law and I beleive has crafted thier own as well. You may try contacting Duane Jones in thier planning department to ask.