Title
Consider and take action on an ordinance amending Chapter 22 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of League City, Texas, by repealing and replacing Article VII related to Unsafe Buildings and Public Nuisance Abatement; establishing procedures for the identification, hearing, repair, securing, removal, and demolition of dangerous buildings and structures through the Municipal Court of Record (Councilmember Mann and Councilmember Higginbotham)
The Sunset Commission recommended approval, 5-0-0, with one member absent, on April 17, 2026.
Background:
Approval of this item will repeal and replace the City’s existing unsafe building regulations and transition unsafe building matters from the Building Standards Commission process to a Municipal Court of Record review process.
The City is authorized under Chapters 54 and 214 of the Texas Local Government Code to address dangerous buildings and unsafe structures that affect the health, safety, and welfare of the public. Pursuant to that authority, the City previously established a Building Standards Commission utilizing volunteer members of the community to hear matters relating to unsafe structures.
Subsequently, Texas courts have stressed the importance of procedural due process and judicial review when municipalities exercise this authority, particularly in matters involving demolition orders and substantial property rights. The proposed ordinance reorganizes and modernizes the City’s existing procedures to establish clearer processes, transparency, judicial review, and due process protections relating to dangerous buildings and unsafe structures.
On April 17, 2026, the League City Sunset Commission reviewed and discussed the City’s existing Building Standards Commission structure and recommended that unsafe building matters instead be heard through the Municipal Court of Record process.
Attachments:
1. Proposed Ordinance
FUNDING
{x} NOT APPLICABLE
STRATEGIC PLANNING
{x} NOT APPLICABLE