Third Ward neighbors say building permit by Houston city officials was issued in error to questionable builder

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Frustrated Third Ward neighbors say the City of Houston mistakenly issued a building permit to a developer who they claim is violating neighborhood deed restrictions, prompting city officials to issue yet another stop-work order on the property.

Residents near a home located at 3838 Southmore Boulevard say they were shocked to see construction crews return to the site this week after believing the project had already been shut down months ago.

ABC13 first reported on the dispute in September, when neighbors raised concerns about a planned 3,600-square-foot expansion behind an existing home.

At the time, residents said the addition would violate deed restrictions that prohibit building a second home on a single lot.

Marc Newsome, who lives nearby, said seeing roofers back on the property Monday morning immediately raised red flags.

“Everybody around these types of structures are stressed out,” Newsome said. “It’s raising blood pressure, causing a lot of mayhem. Even this noise – this should not even be going on.”

In September, a man associated with the property owner, KGM Properties, told ABC13 the construction was fully permitted, waving off our cameras and driving away.

However, city permitting records later showed that was not true.

This week, the developer insisted construction resumed because a new permit had been issued.

City records confirm Houston approved a building permit last week, and a consultant working on the project told ABC13 she purchased the permit earlier today, December 22nd. Newsome believes the city made a mistake.

“I think they’re just not paying attention,” he said. “They may not have eyeballed this in person and don’t understand – they’re just looking at words on documents.”

By Monday afternoon, the City of Houston confirmed it issued a new stop-work order on the entire property, citing deed restrictions that do not allow a second residence to be built on the lot.

The Houston City Council member representing the district said the developer must be held accountable.

“The neighbors deserve for it to be stopped,” said Dr. Carolyn Evans-Shabazz, Houston City Council District D. “They have asked for it to be stopped long ago. I don’t think it should have even gotten to this point. I have no problem asking for it to be torn down.”

Neighbors say they plan to remain vigilant, especially during the upcoming holidays, for any construction that is without authorization. In addition, they are consulting with attorneys to explore additional legal options to enforce deed restrictions.