Infrastructure and Services COMMITTEE

Chairpersons - Andres Gutierrez and Carol Estefan

This Committee interacts with the City of San Antonio on various services: Code Compliance, Public Safety (Fire, Police, and EMS), Solid Waste Disposal, Traffic & Engineering, and Street and Drainage. This Committee also monitors the neighborhood for code violations in the neighborhood, mostly unrelated to historic compliance. Issues of concern include graffiti, brush pick up, alley maintenance, abandoned cars, deteriorating structures, street signs.

This group monitors the neighborhood for code violations in the neighborhood, mostly not related to historic compliance. Issues of concern include graffiti, brush pick up, alley maintenance, abandoned cars, deteriorating structures, street signs.

City of San Antonio Code Compliance: 207-7230

The Code Compliance Department is responsible for enforcing 11 regulatory Chapters of the City Code enacted by the City Council to protect the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of San Antonio. The following information describes some frequent code violations and consequential action that may result if violations are not corrected.

Vacant Lots
Allowing weeds, grass or brush to grow more than 12 inches high is a violation of City Code. The City of San Antonio encourages all owners of vacant lots to keep them neatly mowed and cleared. Failure to do so can result in a fine of up to $2,000 or the lot may be cleared by private contract at the owner's expense. A lien can be placed on the property for the cleaning fees plus a $125 administrative fee.

Noise
The Noise Ordinance regulates the allowable noise decibel level according to zoning districts and time of day. Violation levels range from an excess of 63 decibels in residential zoning to 85 decibels in the Entertainment zoned districts. Maximum fine for noise violations is $2,000.

Illegal Dumping
Code Compliance Abatement Officers patrol the City's 800 mini-dump locations in hopes of deterring illegal dumping activity. Dumpers caught in the act can be issued a citation on the spot and fined a maximum of $2,000. Illegal dumping violations can be reported directly to the Code Compliance Department by dialing the Illegal Dumping HOTLINE: 207-DUMP For legal dumping site locations and brush collection schedules, contact the Solid Waste Division at 207-6400.

Junked Motor Vehicles
Any inoperable vehicle without a current safety inspection sticker or current license plate can be considered a junked motor vehicle. A $2,000 per day fine can be imposed on owners of junked motor vehicles and/or the vehicle could be towed and destroyed.

Dangerous Premises
A vacant dilapidated building may be considered a dangerous premise if the structure is seen as a threat to public health or safety. The Dangerous Structure Determination Board may order its demolition at the owner's expense.

Zoning
Zoning regulations have been made in accordance with a comprehensive plan to promote health, safety and general welfare of the community. These regulations include provisions for the use of property and limitations upon the shape, bulk and location of buildings, which occupy the land. It is a violation, for instance, to operate a commercial activity in a district designated for residential use. Such violations carry a fine of up to $2,000.

Unsanitary Premises
All of us are responsible for keeping our property clear of trash, debris and overgrown vegetation. If your home is served by an alley, you are responsible for its maintenance from the middle of the alley to the front street.

Landscape Watering and Water Wasters
The Landscape Watering Ordinance prohibits all sprinkler irrigation between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. all year round. Landscape watering is allowed at any time with the use of a hand-held hose, a bucket or a drip irrigation system. The Water Waste ordinance targets the wasteful non-conserver. City Code Compliance Investigators can ticket persons who allow water to run off into the public right-of-way or who allow leaks or pipe breaks to go unrepaired.

Other Code Information

Animal and Fowl - Restrictions on the number of animals that may be kept on private property are based on the type of animal. For example, no more than five dogs and three cats may be kept in a residential district property.

Barbed Wire and Fences - Barbed wire and fences are regulated within the city of San Antonio. A permit must be obtained to construct any type of fence and the use of barbed wire is restricted to three strands atop a six-foot fence.

Certificate of Occupancy - Approval for use of land or property must be obtained from the Department of Building Inspections in accordance with zoning regulations and renewed upon a change in ownership or use.

Garage Sales - A permit must be obtained and displayed at all garage sale activities. Garage sales are limited to three a year with only one per quarter allowed and with certain restrictions. Call 207-8263 for information.

Livestock Permits - Written approval must be obtained from the Code Compliance Department prior to the issuance of an animal permit by the Metropolitan Health District. Permits must be renewed annually.

Mosquito / Fly Breeding - Prevention of mosquito and fly breeding is addressed by the elimination of standing water and animal droppings. All premises within the city of San Antonio must be kept free of standing water and animal droppings on a continuous basis.

Obstructions of City Property or Right-of-Way - Pedestrian and vehicular rights of-way must be kept free of any obstructions. For example, structures, overhanging tree limbs, basketball goals, fences and shrubbery are prohibited when on city owned or City controlled rights-of-way. There are special regulations that apply at street intersections.

Vendors, Hawkers and Peddlers - Persons engaged in any commercial outdoor retail activity must meet license requirements and are restricted from operating in certain areas of the City without special approval.