The City of San Antonio code enforcement hearing on an occupied property at 1407 Arroyo Vista Drive ended with the board ordering the owner to repair specified safety and maintenance violations within 30 days, secure the structure and remove occupants except the owner, and direct that utilities be cut if compliance is not achieved.

The board’s unanimous action followed a presentation by city code staff documenting damaged window frames, broken doors and locks, exposed and water-damaged electrical wiring, an open roof allowing weather intrusion, plumbing and water-service deficiencies, and evidence that the property had been the subject of multiple inspections and two city cleanings. Staff recommended repair work and, given safety concerns, evacuation and securing of the structure if owners did not comply.

Why it matters: The order aims to remove hazards to occupants and neighbors by requiring a timetable and enforcement steps. Staff said the condition of the electrical and structural elements posed immediate safety risks to residents and first responders.

City presentation and enforcement history
City code officer Jel Russell presented the file for 1407 Arroyo Vista Drive, noting the property is in Council District 1 and is occupied. Russell identified specific code sections cited in the notice and described photographs taken during a May 21, 2024 inspection showing rotted window frames, broken windows, an open roof and exposed wiring. City records show a follow-up inspection, two city cleanups and notices to the owner; staff said no building permits for the required repairs were on file.

San Antonio police officers and code staff also described public-safety concerns. Officer Michelle Richietzen said officers had responded repeatedly to calls about the property and that neighbors had reported safety and nuisance issues. Staff said reinspection showed persistent hazards and lack of permits for corrective work.

Board action and conditions
The board moved and approved a motion requiring the owner to repair the listed code violations to the satisfaction of code officers within 30 days, to secure the property, to prevent occupants other than the owner from remaining, and to cut utilities if the conditions persisted. The motion was seconded and passed on a 5-0 roll call.

The action was recorded as an order for repairs and property securing; staff retained the authority to return the matter to the board if the owner did not comply, and to escalate enforcement options if necessary.

Next steps and appeals
Staff advised the owner of the 30-day compliance deadline and explained the administrative process for follow-up; the board noted the owner may appeal administrative decisions through the procedures outlined in the notice. The board’s action does not itself impose criminal penalties but sets an enforceable compliance deadline and direction to staff.

Community context
The property is in a residential area where staff said the structure’s condition created both health and fire hazards. City staff emphasized that the order was driven by observed conditions and the absence of required permits or timely corrective action.

Ending
The code board moved on to other cases after the 5-0 vote. The city will monitor compliance and may return the case to the board for further action if repairs are not completed within the ordered timeframe.