The code enforcement body in San Antonio voted unanimously to demolish a residential structure at 601 Arbor Place, finding it unsafe and noncompliant with local building and safety codes and directing utilities to be cut as part of the action.

Staff presentation and police evidence
Sergio Contañilla, presenting for the city’s building hazards unit, described repeated inspections beginning in January 2024, photos from February and March 2025 showing extensive smoke and roof damage, broken windows, interior debris and piled trash that blocks entry. Contañilla said no financial documentation, scope of work or engineer report had been submitted by the owner, Daniel W. Barren, and that the historic-preservation office had determined the property was not eligible for historic designation.

San Antonio police testified that officers had responded more than 35 times to the property, located in District 5, citing multiple incidents including fires, trespassing and illegal dumping. Officer Armendáriz said the owner had not cooperated with enforcement and that the condition of the structure and recurring occupancy by different people presented ongoing public-safety risks.

Board motion and conditions
Board member Robert Tapia moved to find the property in violation of the applicable chapter (Chapter 6) and associated subsections listed by staff and to order demolition within 30 days; Robert Bankey seconded. The motion included a friendly amendment to cut utilities to the property; the board approved the motion and amendment on a 5-0 roll call.

Why it matters
Staff characterized 601 Arbor Place as a dangerous structure that is not fit for human habitation and a continuing public-safety hazard due to structural deterioration, smoke damage and chronic illegal activity. The board’s demolition order directs staff to remove the structure if the owner does not take corrective measures and gives the city authority to secure the site.

Follow-up and appeals
Staff will document demolition steps and costs; the owner may pursue administrative or judicial appeals as permitted under city rules. The board noted that demolition and related cost recovery typically follow statutory and administrative procedures.

Ending
The board recorded a 5-0 vote to proceed with demolition and the utility cutoff within the stated 30-day period, and the hearing moved to subsequent agenda items.