District 5 Files the Rebuilding Dreams Council Consideration Request

Published on December 12, 2024

SAN ANTONIO (December 12, 2024) – District 5 Councilmember Teri Castillo filed the Rebuilding Dreams Council Consideration Request (CCR) on December 11. The CCR is focused on aiding homeowners who have tragically lost their homes due to a house fire by updating the City’s Fee Waiver Program. 

Currently, the City of San Antonio’s fee waiver program aids with the cost of developing and rehabilitating affordable housing through City-sponsored programs. Expanding program eligibility to homeowners who experienced a fire could provide a lifeline by covering the basic building permit costs should they decide to rebuild their homes.

“When San Antonio families experience a house fire resulting in the loss of everything they own, the process to rebuild can feel extremely daunting,” Councilmember Teri Castillo said. “This proposal will explore establishing fee and permitting support to offer a second chance at rebuilding and reestablishing their home.”     

Over the last two years, San Antonio has averaged 43 residential fires per month, and damages typically average from $55,000 to $63,000, according to the San Antonio Fire Department. 

Councilmembers from Districts 2, 4, 6, and 9 provided supporting signatures.