Tex. Loc. Gov't Code Ann. ch. 214 (subchs. A, B, C, G, H, I, Z) § 214.002
REQUIRING REPAIR, REMOVAL, OR DEMOLITION OF BUILDING OR OTHER STRUCTURE.
Operative Text
Sec. 214.002. REQUIRING REPAIR, REMOVAL, OR DEMOLITION OF BUILDING OR OTHER STRUCTURE. (a) If the governing body of a municipality finds that a building, bulkhead or other method of shoreline protection, fence, shed, awning, or other structure, or part of a structure, is likely to endanger persons or property, the governing body may:(1) order the owner of the structure, the owner's agent, or the owner or occupant of the property on which the structure is located to repair, remove, or demolish the structure, or the part of the structure, within a specified time; or(2) repair, remove, or demolish the structure, or the part of the structure, at the expense of the municipality, on behalf of the owner of the structure or the owner of the property on which the structure is located, and assess the repair, removal, or demolition expenses on the property on which the structure was located.(b) The governing body shall provide by ordinance for:(1) the assessment of repair, removal, or demolition expenses incurred under Subsection (a)(2);(2) a method of giving notice of the assessment; and(3) a method of recovering the expenses.(c) The governing body may punish by a fine, confinement in jail, or both a person who does not comply with an order issued under Subsection (a)(1). Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 149, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987. Amended by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 743, Sec. 4, eff. Aug. 28, 1989; Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 219, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 30, 1993.
Under Tex. Loc. Gov't Code § 214.002, a Texas municipality's governing body has the authority to act when a structure—such as a building, fence, shed, awning, or shoreline protection feature—is found likely to endanger people or property. The governing body may order the responsible party to repair, remove, or demolish the structure within a set timeframe, or it may carry out that work itself and charge the costs back to the property. Noncompliance with a municipal order can result in fines, jail time, or both.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers in Texas should be aware that under § 214.002, a municipality can issue a formal order requiring repair, removal, or demolition of any structure deemed a danger to persons or property. Compliant operators generally respond promptly to such orders within the specified timeframe, since failure to do so can expose them to fines, possible confinement, or the municipality performing the work and placing the costs as an assessment against the property. Keeping structures well-maintained and addressing safety concerns proactively is consistent with the obligations this section establishes.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants living in or near structures that may pose a safety hazard should know that § 214.002 gives the local municipal governing body the power to order repairs, removal, or demolition of dangerous structures. If a structure appears to endanger occupants or neighbors, a tenant may have grounds to contact the local municipality or code enforcement office to report the condition and prompt an official inspection. Tenant-rights organizations in Texas can help explain how this provision interacts with other housing protections and what options may be available when a structure is found to be unsafe.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 28, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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