The City of Sugar Land Building Standards Commission voted on Nov. 12, 2025 to declare the house at 103 Saint Mark Street a dangerous structure and ordered the owner, mortgagee or lienholder to secure the property within 24 hours and to demolish or remove the structure within 30 days.

Staff presented inspection and enforcement records showing multiple re-inspections from July through October 2025, photo evidence of removed framing and roof elements, an unsecured pool and other violations of the 2021 International Property Maintenance Code and the City Code of Ordinances. "During the Oct. 21 inspection the structure was deemed a dangerous building," staff said in their presentation and recommended demolition unless the structure could be feasibly repaired.

Neighbors and the Venetian Estates Property Owners Association urged immediate action because the rear and interior had been effectively demolished during unauthorized work and the site posed a hazard to children and wildlife. "This property is an accident waiting to happen," Steve Trailey, president of the Venetian Estates Property Owners Association, told the commission.

A potential buyer told the commission the property is under contract and asked for time tied to a closing date; the buyer also said demo contractors told him CenterPoint could take up to five to six weeks to disconnect service at the street. Staff responded that electric service had been booted at the meter and that the drop lines remained live at the pole, while gas remained shut at the property meter and staff would coordinate with CenterPoint but could not guarantee the utility timetable.

The commission adopted a motion finding the structure unsafe under Chapter 3 (dangerous building provisions) and ordered the responsible parties to secure the building within 24 hours and to demolish or remove the structure within 30 days (the commission referenced Dec. 12, 2025 as the 30-day deadline). The order also authorizes the city to secure, repair or demolish the structure and attach a lien to the property if the owner, mortgagee or lienholder fails to comply.

The staff presentation noted a recommended compliance hearing to review progress; staff will publish next steps and the building official will monitor and coordinate required utility disconnections. The commission closed the case after the vote.