About the BSB
The BSB is a quasi-judicial board established to hear:
The board also rules on cases and can order the repair or demolition of a structure at the owner's expense.
Property Maintenance Violations & Appeals
Violations
Unoccupied or ruined structures can attract vagrants, illegal activity, rodents, and/or snakes. If these structures haven't been maintained, they can also be on the verge of collapse, which is dangerous for surrounding neighbors and residents.
When deemed necessary, a public hearing may be held before the BSB to determine if a property is in need of abatement. If the BSB determines codes were violated, property owners could face civil penalties.
Appeals
Property owners can appeal a property maintenance code violation to the BSB. Appeals must be based on a claim that the true intent of the code has been incorrectly interpreted or does not apply and/or there is a special individual reason that makes the strict letter of the code impractical.
The appellant can offer an alternative proposal that meets the intent and purpose of the Code and does not lessen health, life, and fire safety requirements.
All appeals must be filed no later than 10 business days after the notice of violation was served.
Meeting Schedule
The BSB meets twice a month, unless otherwise posted, on Thursdays at 9 a.m.
Current Schedule & Agendas
Meetings are held in the Board Room at:
Cliff Morton Development and Business Services Center (One Stop)
1901 S. Alamo St.
San Antonio, TX 78204
Directions
Information about visiting our office.
For more information, please contact Board Liaison Judy Croom via email or by phone at 210-207-5422.
All meetings are open to the public. You can access videos of previous meetings and watch a livestream of the meetings.
Membership
The BSB is a citizen-based board and has 14 members appointed by City Council: two panels of seven members each. Each City Council member appoints a representative to the board, and four board members are appointed at-large. Members serve overlapping two-year terms, and there is no limit on the number of terms that may be served.
You can view a list of current members of the BSB in Boards & Commissions Rosters.
BSB membership requirements are prescribed for the following categories:
- single family rental property manager
- architect
- general contractor
- social worker
- healthcare professional
- retired person (over the age of 64)
- veteran of the United States military
A professional property manager may be substituted for a general contractor and/or social worker, with a maximum of two substitutions.
Attending a Hearing
The hearing is scheduled to start at 9 a.m., but there can be multiple items on the BSB agenda. The length of wait time can be from 1 hour to 6 hours, depending on the placement of your case on the agenda.
For information about requesting Spanish translation services, please review IB 560 - Spanish Translation Services for Boards and Commissions (PDF).
Preparation & Required Documents
It is very important to come prepared to speak before the BSB. Bring the following items:
- a Scope of Work detailed plan and time schedule for the work to be completed
- proof of financial means to complete the repairs
Please review the Scope of Work Example(PDF, 47KB) for more information.
If You Cannot Attend
The hearing date cannot be postponed or reset after proper notification has been made.
If you cannot attend your scheduled BSB hearing, you must inform the officer assigned to your case or contact the BSB liaison at 210-207-5422.
The officer will request before the Board a two-week reset. It is at the Board’s discretion to reset the hearing for two weeks or for the next available hearing date.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I appeal the BSB Orders?
- BSB orders shall become final and cannot be appealed after 30 days following the mailing of the Order pursuant to Section 6-173 of the City Code. Orders of the Board are subject to a temporary stay of enforcement by the filing of a petition for writ of certiorari pursuant to Chapter 214.0012 of the Texas Local Government Code.
- What will happen if I do not comply with the Board’s Orders?
- Any and all abatement procedures must be done in accordance with all applicable statutory and code regulations. Failure to comply with this Order shall result in the abatement of the above conditions by the City in a manner ordered by this Board. A lien shall be placed against the property for the City’s abatement expenses, investigation and research expenses, civil penalties, plus administrative expenses as allowed by law.
- What will happen if the structure on my property is demolished by the City, and I cannot afford to pay?
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If the City demolishes a structure on your property and you cannot afford to pay, the City can arrange a payment plan. The owner can pay what they can afford. There is no time limit to pay off the balance.
- The balance continues to accrue interest at 10% per annum.
- A lien is placed on the property after 30 days if the balance is not paid in full.
For further information, please contact our Finance Department.