Substandard Properties

Demolition Inspection Process

The Department of Code Enforcement will systematically inspect all homes on a schedule to ensure properties meet city standards. This process will take place on an annual basis and staff will follow the following procedures:

All identified or ‘tagged’ structures will be classified in one of the following categories upon completion of the inspection:

  • Vacant and Substandard (non-occupied and non-compliant with building codes
  • Vacant and In-violation (non-occupied and failing in one or more code compliance areas)
  • Occupied and Substandard (occupied and non-compliant with building codes to point property is not habitable)
  • Occupied and In-violation (occupied and failing in one or more code compliance areas)

Substandard Properties

Vacant substandard properties will be tagged and secured by Inspectors until disposition of the Building and Standards Commission.

Owners and inhabitants of substandard occupied properties will be notified of inspection results and provided seven (7) days to vacate the property. Once the property is vacated, Inspectors will secure the property until disposition of the Building and Standards Commission. Should the occupant(s) fail to comply with the order to vacate, Texarkana, Texas Police Department will assist in the removal of the occupant(s).

Non-Compliant Properties

Owners of vacant non-complaint properties will be notified of violations and be provided up to three to thirty (3-30) days (depending upon extent of repairs needed) for repair of the property in order to meet compliance. If the owner fails to repair the property, the owner will be issued a citation and be subject to fines up to $1,000 per day for each day the property is not in compliance. Should the owner continue to fail to respond per order of the court, the structure will be tagged and secured until disposition of the Building and Standards Commission.

Owners of occupied non-complaint properties will be notified of violations in the same manner and be required to follow the same procedure. Should the owner continue to fail to respond per order of the court, the structure will be vacated within seven (7) days, tagged and secured until disposition of the Building and Standards Commission. Should the occupant fail to comply with the order to vacate, Texarkana, Texas Police Department will assist in the removal of the occupant.

Owners of substandard properties may consent to the demolition and clearance of their properties. The owner will be responsible for the cost (hard costs, soft costs, and administrative costs) of the demolition and clearance. In lieu of payment, the owner may donate the property to the City. Should the owner fail to pay or donate the property, a lien shall be filed.

Should the owner fail to sign a consent, the property will be brought before the Building and Standards Commission for determination of disposition. The Commission may:

Order the demolition of the property per the findings and order of the Chief Building Official

  • Grant an extension for the repair of the property per the findings and order of the Chief Building Official and the policies of the City of Texarkana, Texas
  • Grant an extension for the repair of the property by overturning the findings of the Chief Building Official through finding that the Chief Building Inspector failed to comply with the legal process

Ridding areas of uninhabitable structures will promote safety and make entire neighborhoods more viable. Where demolition has occurred, the City has plans for in-fill housing to increase the number of single family homes in the area and for green spaces to enhance the appearance of the neighborhoods.

View a map of properties scheduled to be demolished.