On December 11, 2024, District 5 Councilmember Teri Castillo filed the Rebuilding Dreams Council Consideration Request (CCR) aimed at helping homeowners who have lost their homes in house fires. The proposal seeks to update the City’s Fee Waiver Program to assist fire victims with the cost of rebuilding their homes.
Currently, the City of San Antonio’s fee waiver program helps cover the cost of developing and rehabilitating affordable housing through City-sponsored programs. Castillo’s proposal would extend eligibility to homeowners affected by fire, offering them relief by waiving basic building permit costs if they choose to rebuild their homes.
“When San Antonio families experience a house fire resulting in the loss of everything they own, the process to rebuild can feel extremely daunting,” Castillo said. “This proposal will explore establishing fee and permitting support to offer a second chance at rebuilding and reestablishing their home.”
The San Antonio Fire Department reports that the city has averaged 43 residential fires per month over the past two years, with damages ranging from $55,000 to $63,000 per incident.
Councilmembers from Districts 2, 4, 6, and 9 have shown their support by signing the proposal, which aims to ease the financial burden on families looking to rebuild their lives after a devastating fire.
