The Building Standards Commission has seven members and three alternate members appointed by City Council. The Chair and Vice Chair are appointed by the City Council.
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. The commission must be cognizant of protecting the unbiased quasi-judicial nature of the commission and the formal hearings; activities of the commission are limited to those authorities granted by state statute. Decisions of the commission are not subject to review by City Council.
Chapter 54 of the Texas Local Government Code provides that the commission, in accordance with the procedures set forth by law may:
(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.
(3) Authorize a variance from the terms of any building code adopted by the city.
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.
(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 commission are final, further action is to a court of law.