ABILENE, Texas — The Abilene Board of Building Standards on April 2 reviewed six property cases and voted to require repairs for three properties and demolition for three others, with owners given 30 days to appeal to district court.

The board, during a meeting in the city auditorium, heard staff reports from Ricky Wright, property maintenance inspector for the City of Abilene, who summarized each property's history of code enforcement and staff recommendations. "Today, we're gonna have 6 cases presenting to you," Wright said as he opened the agenda items.

The board approved staff recommendations across all six cases. For three properties the board ordered owners to submit a plan of action within 30 days and obtain permits, allowing 60 days for rough-in inspections and completion by the expiration of permits. For three other properties the board found repair unreasonable and ordered demolition unless the owner demolishes or files an appeal in district court within 30 days.

Why it matters: the board enforces local building and nuisance codes meant to protect public health, safety and welfare. The cases included fire-damaged homes, structures rendered vacant and unsecured for years, and at least one building damaged by vehicle impact. Several properties have been under active enforcement for years, and the board's orders can lead to city-led demolition if owners do not comply.

Most significant actions and details

Votes at a glance

- Case 23-002938 (1227 Grape Street) — Staff recommended the owner repair the structure. The board approved an order requiring the owner to provide a plan of action within 30 days (including a time frame and cost estimates), obtain all permits, and complete rough-in inspections within 60 days after permits are issued. Roll-call: All members present voted yes. Outcome: approved (repair order).

- Case 23-004102 (160 Ruby Street) — After staff described a February 2022 fire and the owner's inability to obtain financing, the board found the property a public nuisance and that repair would be unreasonable. The board ordered the owner to demolish or appeal within 30 days; the city may demolish after that period. Roll-call: All members present voted yes. Outcome: approved (demolition order).

- Case 24-000209 (2018 Victoria Street) — Staff recounted an open case dating to 02/2020, multiple attempts to contact the owner and recent relisting of the property for sale. A real estate agent, Sonia Gonzales, and owner Dorothy Harris spoke during public comment about ongoing sale efforts. The board approved a 30/60 repair order (30 days to submit plan and permits; 60 days for rough-in inspections). Roll-call: All members present voted yes. Outcome: approved (repair order).

- Case 24-003795 (2518 North Eighteenth) — The property has had no utilities since Jan. 19, 2019, and staff reported no response from the owner despite condemnation notices. The board found repair unreasonable and ordered demolition or appeal within 30 days. Roll-call: All members present voted yes. Outcome: approved (demolition order).

- Case 24-004411 (2041 South Twentieth Street) — Staff described a July 3, 2021 electrical-fire with estimated damages of $25,000 and the owner's death; the property was boarded and secured by the city. The board found the property a public nuisance and ordered demolition or appeal within 30 days. Roll-call: All members present voted yes. Outcome: approved (demolition order).

- Case 25-000375 (1749 North Twelfth Street) — Staff described repeated fire damage, evidence of unauthorized occupants, and multiple heirs complicating title transfer. Public commenter Anthony Williams, a prospective investor, said he and his company are interested in rehabilitating the house but estimated legal and entitlement work would take months and cost significant sums. The board approved a 30/60 repair order (30 days to submit plan and permits; 60 days for rough-in inspections). Roll-call: All members present voted yes. Outcome: approved (repair order).

Discussion and public comment

- Sonia Gonzales, a real estate agent assisting Dorothy Harris, asked how a prospective buyer could pursue an appeal and whether a quick cash sale could allow a new owner to obtain permits; board members and staff explained that owners have 30 days to appeal the board's order to district court and that a new purchaser could pursue permits if the appeal/transfer occurs within the applicable time frame.

- Owner Dorothy Harris and her daughter Crystal Harris addressed the board, asking for time to complete a sale; the board ultimately provided a 30-day plan window for the property at 2018 Victoria Street.

- Anthony Williams, a local investor, described complications with title (he said there are roughly 23 heirs), estimated legal costs and timeline for clear title, and stated interest in rehabilitating the property at 1749 North Twelfth Street. "We want to make the investment that's needed," Williams said, adding an estimated rehabilitation cost figure as presented to the board.

What the board ordered and next steps

The board's orders give property owners two primary paths: (1) submit a plan of action and pursue repairs and inspections under the 30/60 schedule set by the board, or (2) demolish the structure themselves or allow the city to demolish after a 30-day appeal period. Owners who wish to contest a board decision must file an appeal in the district court within 30 calendar days after receiving notice of the board's decision.

The board approved each staff recommendation by roll call; each motion passed with all members voting yes.

The meeting concluded after the six cases were decided; several cases remain subject to owner action, sale negotiations, or potential city-initiated demolition if owners fail to comply or appeal.