Resources for Owners

Office

Physical Address
Development and Business Services Center
1901 S. Alamo 
San Antonio, TX 78204

Phone
210.207.0035

Fax
210.207.0199

Hours 
Monday - Friday, 7:45am - 4:30pm

Leadership

Purpose of this Program
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Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  What is the goal of this program?
The goal of the Vacant Building Registration Program is to ensure that vacant buildings are maintained in good condition to a minimum standard of care to minimize the negative impacts that these buildings have on the health, safety, and welfare of the public.
Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  Why is the City imposing minimum maintenance standards on vacant buildings?
Poorly maintained vacant buildings have a negative impact on the health, safety, and welfare of the City's businesses, residents, and visitors. They lower property values, pose a health and safety risk to neighboring properties, and create a negative impression that impacts the City's valuable tourist and convention industries. Empty buildings impose significant costs on all taxpayers by requiring additional code and police enforcement.
Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  Why is the City requiring that vacant buildings be registered?
Vacant buildings can become health and safety hazards, diminishing the overall quality of life of the community and neighborhoods. They have a high incidence of code violations, attract vagrants and criminal activity, draw and harbor vermin, and are vulnerable to fires. It is necessary for the City to maintain basic information on these properties, including the current contact information for the owner and/ or manager and a criminal trespass affidavit, to quickly resolve concerns impacting the health and safety of the City's citizens.
Applicability
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Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  Can I report a vacant building?
Yes. You can report a vacant building by using the Report a Vacant Building Form.
Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  What are the boundaries of the Vacant Building Registration Program?

The Vacant Building Program applies to all vacant buildings unoccupied for at least 30 days within:

  • the Central Business District (CBD) & 1/2 mile buffer, 
  • Historic Districts & 1/2 mile buffer,  
  • Neighborhood Conservation Districts & 1/2 mile buffer, 
  • City-initiated TIRZ (Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone) & 1/2 mile buffer, 
  • Historic Landmarks, 
  • 1/2 mile from active military bases & defense base authorities.
Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  Does the program apply to vacant lots?
No. The program applies only to vacant buildings, not vacant lots.
Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  Does the program apply if there are vacant units within a building that also includes occupied units?
No. The program applies only if all units within a building are vacant.
Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  Does the program apply if there are multiple buildings within a property and not all of them are vacant?
The program applies only to vacant buildings within a property.
Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  What's the definition of a vacant building?
A vacant building is a building, structure or house where all lawful activity has ceased, or reasonably appears to have ceased for 30 days.
Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  Are any vacant buildings exempt from the Vacant Building Program?
Yes. Single family residential buildings that meet the standard of care are exempt from the program. The requirement to register within 90 days may be extended for properties listed for sale or lease at fair market value.
Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  Are any fee waivers available?
Yes. In certain cases the registration period may be extended and/or fees may be waived. Fee waivers may be granted in the following situations:
  • Property which has been devastated by a catastrophe such as fire or flood
  • If the property owner is indigent
  • Representatives of a property owner who is deceased or no longer legally competent
  • If the owner has obtained a building permit and is progressing in an expedient manner to prepare the premises for occupancy
Registration Requirements
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Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  What if the property is sold or there is a change in contact information for the owner or local property manager?
Written notice of a change in ownership or a change of contact information for the owner or the designated manager must be provided in writing to Vacant Building Program Staff no later than 30 days after changes have occurred.
Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  What if I receive a Notice to Register Vacant Building, but my building is not vacant?
You may contact the Case Manager listed in your notice letter and provide documentation that lawful activity is currently occurring within the building. Documentation could include a lease with a tenant.
Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  What information must I submit when I register a vacant building?
Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  How often must the Vacant Building Plan of Action form be updated?
The Vacant Building Plan of Action must be updated every 6 months.
Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  How often must I renew my registration?
Annually. Required paperwork and registration fees are due on January 31st of each year.
Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  Is there a fee to register?
The annual registration fee is $250 for single-family residences and $750 for all other buildings. In addition an annual inspection fee of $0.01 per square foot ($50 minimum) will be charged.
Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  When is registration required?
The owner(s) of a vacant building must register after receiving a Notice to Register Vacant Building from the City of San Antonio.
Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  When must I designate a local property manager?
A local property manager must be designated if the owner of the vacant building does not reside in Bexar County. The local property manager must conduct business in Bexar County and shall act as an agent for the absentee property owner.
Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  What information is included on the Vacant Building Plan of Action Form?
The Vacant Building Plan of Action Form must include a timeline for correcting all violations, maintenance plan while the building is vacant, rehabilitation plan, and proposed future use of the building.
Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  How long will I have to register after I receive a Notice to Register Vacant Building?
You will have 90 days from the date written notice is issued to the property owner.
Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  Can I register my vacant building online?

Yes! If you received a notice to register, you will use the Registration ID in the right hand corner of the notice to register your structure using our online system. 

Standard of Care Requirements
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Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  What is the required standard of care for vacant buildings?
The standard of care for vacant buildings includes minimum standards for:
  • Exterior surfaces
  • Premises identification including vacant building identification placard (if applicable)
  • Building
  • Exterior walls
  • Roof and drainage
  • Decorative features
  • Overhang extensions and awnings
  • Stairways, decks, porches, and balconies
  • Chimneys and towers
  • Handrails and guards
  • Windows, skylights, and doors
  • Basement hatchways and windows
Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  What type of insurance must be maintained on the property?
Proof of insurance is not required for vacant single family buildings. Liability insurance is required for all other vacant buildings. A surety bond for the value of the building may be provided if insurance cannot be obtained.
Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  Where can I view an example of a vacant building identification placard?

An example of a placard is available for viewing at the Cliff Morton Development and Business Services Center located at 1901 South Alamo Street.

Incentives
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Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  Are there programs or incentives available to help me repair or rehabilitate my vacant building?
Yes, there are limited grant programs that available in certain areas of the city to help repair and rehabilitate vacant residential and commercial buildings. Qualification requirements vary depending on each program. Please contact the Vacant Building Program Manager for more information.
Penalties
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Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  What happens if I do not register my vacant building within 90 days?
Failure to register is a violation of the Vacant Building Pilot Program. Such violation is a class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $500 per violation.
Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  What happens when a vacant building is not maintained to the required standard of care?
Failure to maintain a vacant building to the required standard of care is a violation of the Vacant Building Pilot Program. Such violation is a class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $500 per day. Additional administrative, civil, and criminal enforcement remedies may also be sought.

Vacant Building Program

Vacant Building Hotline - 210.207.7244

Physical Address

Cliff Morton Development and Business Services Center
1901 S. Alamo • San Antonio, TX 78204

Email

Email