The City of Sugar Land Building Standards Commission on Nov. 12, 2025 reviewed compliance for 2627 Ferry Landing and approved an order that allows new owners to pursue repair rather than immediate demolition, provided they meet documentation and progress requirements.

Staff recapped earlier orders requiring a structural assessment, engineer's report and permits; staff told the commission the site is secured and that an active demolition permit exists as a fallback. "We have that now," staff said, noting the site fence was in place and that staff will monitor submittals and prescriptive repairs.

Kazu Zahir of BD Investment Group, the company that said it closed on the property Nov. 7, described a schedule intended to complete work by Dec. 31 and said his firm runs an in-house construction crew and had pulled a demo permit to expose studs for engineering review. "We have a proven track record of turning around distressed properties quickly and efficiently," Zahir said.

Highlands HOA president Daniel Harris told the commission the HOA has not been formally notified of the sale and that the HOA records show unpaid assessments "about $12,000 to $15,000," and that HOA approval of exterior work could take time (the HOA form gives up to 30 business days to respond). Permitting expediters said they had stamped drawings and an engineer letter to submit to the city.

Commissioners noted that structural drawings must be stamped and prescriptive in order for contractors to proceed and that staff must receive the engineer's feasibility letter to determine whether the structure can be saved. The commission approved an order finding the structure dangerous and requiring the owner, mortgagee or lienholder to repair the structure or demonstrate sufficient progress by Dec. 12, 2025; the building official was granted authority to approve one 30-day extension if the owner shows significant progress. If the responsible parties fail to comply, the city may secure, repair or demolish and attach a lien for costs.

Staff said they will continue weekly or biweekly monitoring of compliance and may schedule a follow-up hearing if submissions are not timely. The commission's action preserves the pathway to rehabilitation while retaining the city's enforcement authority if progress stalls.