Abatements

The Code Enforcement team is responsible for:

• Health and safety related to plants and trash on lots.
• Unoccupied and unsecured buildings within San Antonio.

When a code violation is found and the property owner hasn't fixed it, the City can step in and take care of the issue without giving the owner prior notice. This action is called abatement. It means removing a problem that is considered a nuisance or that poses a health and safety risk.

The City Code authorizes the City to take action in the following situations:

• Lots with plants taller than 12 inches that are within 1,000 feet of a school or daycare.
• Lots with plants taller than 48 inches that are an immediate danger to health, life, or safety.
• Demolishing or boarding up vacant homes and dangerous or unsecured structures.
• Towing junked vehicles.

Payment

You will receive a bill from the City for work completed. Failure to pay by the date shown in your bill will result in the filing of a lien against your property and the accrual of interest at 10% per year until paid. Please call us to determine the total amount due.

Pay Abatement Bill

Code Lien

If you do not pay your abatement bill within 30 days, a code lien will automatically be placed against your property. A code lien is a legal claim placed on a property that acts as a secured interest, allowing the the City to recover costs for fixing violations.

To pay and release your code lien, please visit the Finance Department's Lien Payoff & Release web page.

Dispute

If you wish to dispute your abatement bill or code lien, please submit a Dispute Abatement/Code Lien form.