Got an empty building in downtown Laredo? You’re about to become very familiar with Ordinance 2021-O-162. This Thursday, September 4th, the city is hosting a workshop that could save you serious headaches (and money) down the road.
What’s Happening in Laredo
The City of Laredo isn’t messing around when it comes to vacant buildings. Under Texas law, a building is presumed vacant if all lawful activity has ceased for more than 150 days, and Laredo’s new ordinance means property owners need to get proactive about registration and compliance.
If you own property downtown, this workshop on Thursday could be the difference between staying ahead of the game or scrambling to catch up later.
You’re Not Alone – Other Texas Cities Are Doing This Too
Here’s the thing: Laredo isn’t the first Texas city to crack down on vacant buildings, and they won’t be the last. San Antonio expanded their vacant building program in September 2023, requiring property owners within 1,000 feet of schools or childcare facilities to register with the city. In San Antonio, you have 90 days to register once the city issues a notice, and you must renew annually by January 31st.
The trend is clear: Texas cities are taking action on vacant commercial and office spaces, with broad voter support for converting these properties into housing. Cities across the state are realizing that empty buildings drag down neighborhoods and property values.
What Makes This Different City by City
While the basic concept is the same statewide, each city puts its own spin on vacant building ordinances:
San Antonio’s Approach: Requires annual registration renewal and focuses heavily on properties near schools and childcare centers. They’re taking a neighborhood-safety approach.
Austin: Has building permit exemptions and focuses more on development fees, but some smaller Texas cities require vacant building registration within 120 days with $120 fees.
Statewide Authority: Texas Local Government Code Chapter 214 gives municipalities the authority to regulate vacant buildings, but each city creates its own specific rules, timelines, and fees.
What You Need to Do This Week
Don’t wait until you get a notice in the mail. Here’s your action plan:
Thursday, September 4th: Show up at City Hall (1110 Houston St.) for the workshop. Registration starts at 8:30 AM, and the session begins at 9:00 AM. This isn’t optional if you want to stay compliant.
What They’ll Cover:
- Vacant building registration process
- Inspection and compliance procedures
- How to stay informed about changes
- Resources and support programs
Right Now: Take a hard look at your properties. If a building has been empty for months, start gathering documentation about its status.
The Bottom Line
This isn’t going away. Cities across Texas are getting serious about vacant buildings because they hurt neighborhoods and property values. Laredo is joining San Antonio, Austin, and other cities in requiring property owners to be accountable.
The good news? The city is offering you a roadmap before enforcement really kicks in. Take advantage of Thursday’s workshop, understand the rules, and get ahead of the curve.
Your neighbors (and your wallet) will thank you.
Event Details:
- Date: Thursday, September 4, 2025
- Time: 8:30 AM registration, 9:00 AM workshop
- Location: City Hall Council Chambers, 1110 Houston St., Laredo, TX 78040
- Contact: (956) 791-7397
Can’t make it in person? Scan the QR code on their flyer to register online and get updates.
