The commission is a quasi-judicial panel consisting of members who have knowledge of the property maintenance codes and are qualified by experience and training to decide matters related to building construction and property maintenance.

Decisions of the board are not subject to review by City Council and are the final city step for an applicant; further action is to a court of law if an applicant so chooses. 

Activities of the commission are limited to those authorities granted by state statute.  

Chapter 54 of the Texas Local Government Code provides that the commission, in accordance with the procedures set forth by law may:

1. Order the repair, within a fixed period, of buildings found to be in violation of an ordinance.
2. Declare a building substandard in accordance with the powers granted by state law.
3. Order, in an appropriate case, the immediate removal of persons or property found on private property, enter on private property to secure the removal if it is determined that conditions exist on the property that constitute a violation of an ordinance, and order action to be taken as necessary to remedy, alleviate, or remove any substandard building found to exist.
4. Issue orders or directives to any peace officer of the state, including a sheriff or constable or the chief of police of the municipality, to enforce and carry out the lawful orders or directives of the commission panel.

Authorities of the Commission provided by ordinance include:

(1) Hear and decide appeals that allege an error in an order, requirement, decision or determination made by an administrative officer or employee in the application or enforcement of any building code adopted by the city.

(2) Hear and decide appeals that allege an error in a decision or determination made by an administrative officer or employee related to the denial or revocation of a Residential Rental Property License.

Authorities of the commission provided by ordinance include: (Continued)

(3) Authorize a variance from the terms of any building code adopted by the city.

(4) Hear and decide appeals that allege an error in an order, requirement, decision or determination made by an administrative officer or employee in the application or enforcement of the International Property Maintenance Code, as adopted by the city.

(5) Order the vacation, securing, repair, removal or demolition of a dangerous building or unsafe structure.

Decisions of the board are not subject to review by City Council and are the final city step for an applicant; further action is to a court of law if an applicant so chooses.