Building & Standards

Sec. 16-332. Purpose. The Building and Standards Commission (hereafter, the “B&S”) is responsible for the preservation of public safety relating to proper materials and methods used for building construction, fire safety, or improvements of buildings and deteriorated buildings within the City. This is a quasi-judicial board that has the authority under state law to authorize the condemnation of hazardous properties in the City.

Sec. 16-333. Duties. The B&S shall hold public meetings, conduct public hearings, and make decisions related to Building and Building Regulations. The Commission is empowered to (Sec 54.036, Texas Local Government Code):

1. Order the repair, within a fixed period, of buildings found to be in violation of an ordinance;
2. Declare a building substandard in accordance with the powers granted by Chapter 54 of the Texas Local Government Code;

3. Order, in an appropriate case, the immediate removal of persons or property found on private property, enter on private property to secure the removal if it is determined that conditions exist on the property that constitute a violation of an ordinance, and order action to be taken as necessary to remedy, alleviate, or remove any substandard building found to exist;

5. Determine the amount and duration of the civil penalty the municipality may recover as provided by Section 54.017, Texas Local Government Code.