Board resets 503 Pecan Valley Drive case to allow family time to pursue title

The Building Standards Board voted to reset the case for 503 Pecan Valley Drive to the next available meeting rather than issue an immediate demolition order, after a family member said she and a prospective buyer were pursuing options to acquire and repair the property.

Dangerous‑premises officer Ryan Garza presented photographs showing extensive water damage, holes in the roof and ceiling, rotted post‑and‑beam foundation members and interior collapse. He told the board no scope of work, financial proof, letters of credit, engineering reports or permits had been submitted, and that notices had been mailed and posted with at least one certified receipt returned unclaimed. Garza said the city had abated and secured the property on Jan. 15, 2025, and that the structure is near a busy intersection, a convenience store and a bus stop.

Andrea Wallace, who identified herself as the owner's daughter and said she lives at 366 Westminster Avenue, told the board a company was interested in refurbishing the house and she asked the board for time: "I would like for it not to be demolished. If I could have, like, 30 days for them to look into stuff and see if there's anything that we can do," Wallace said.

Board members and legal staff discussed the practical limits of permitting and repairs while title remains unclear. Legal counsel explained that, if the property owner died intestate, the family would need to complete probate to secure clear title and then obtain permits; counsel estimated that even with agreement among heirs the probate/ownership process could take many months. The board noted that resets are intended to gather additional information for the board's decision and not to facilitate a sale.

A motion to reset the case for the next available hearing so the family could pursue ownership and provide more documentation passed, 6 to 2. The board recorded that the reset would return the matter sooner rather than later (the board liaison schedules the next available date), and advised the family to provide documentation of any contract, proof of funds and a timeline for steps toward title and repairs at the next appearance.

Less critical details: staff listed the violating subsections of city code article 8, chapter 6 and noted the property is not eligible for historic designation. Staff reported an abatement and securement action with an associated cost recorded in the file.