Code Compliance

The purpose of Building Code Enforcement is to protect the public health, safety and welfare within the community regarding the conditions of our structures and properties through ensuring compliance with adopted codes and ordinances.  Compliance with these standards can reduce vandalism, deter crime, maintain property values, and prevent deterioration of your neighborhood.

Fortunately, the majority of properties in Alamo Heights are in compliance with adopted codes, but the impact of the small percentage of properties that are not is dramatic. Some violations are merely a result of unfamiliarity with the codes and are easily rectified.  Some violations involve people who may be physically unable to maintain their property, while others are a result of owners knowingly ignoring the ordinances or refusing to voluntarily comply with adopted codes.  Regardless of the situation, all violations affect the value of properties and certainly have a negative effect on the whole community.

The Building Official in the Community Development Services Department administers and enforces the City of Alamo Heights Code of Ordinances related to the following:

  • Zoning regulations (construction activities relating to setbacks and heights),
  • Building regulations (construction activities relating to Building, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, and other miscellaneous codes)
  • Minimum maintenance standards for both the interior and exterior of structures,
  • Minimum property standards including health and safety issues.

Compliance

The city’s approach to enforcement is to: investigate, educate and inform, request, enforce, and abate. City staff typically works closely with property owners to gain voluntary compliance first. However, there are times when we are required to use a more formal approach which involves sending notices and possibly issuing follow-up citations.

Submit a Complaint

City staff is deeply committed to providing our stakeholders with the tools to address code violations in a timely fashion, but we need your help. Citizens are encouraged to submit a complaint to the city by email to Richard Ayala, Code Compliance Officer at rayala@alamoheightstx.gov. Emails must include a specific address of the violation, detailed description of the violation, and return contact information if a reply is requested.  We appreciate the participation of citizens who support our efforts to improve the visual image, maintain the existing beauty and charm, and help protect the tranquility of Alamo Heights.