A dispute has emerged in San Antonio between landowner Phil Ross and the city’s code enforcement regarding his long-standing junk art wall. Ross, who has owned the property for decades, claims that city officials are unfairly targeting his artistic display, which he considers an evolving creative expression.
Ross stated that he received citations citing violations of city code but was only given a brief reference to the regulations without specific details. He was informed that he had 10 days to address the violations. According to the city’s code compliance office, Ross currently faces three pending violations, which include a property maintenance issue related to fencing, a dangerous premise designation, and an overgrown yard. However, the department has not provided further comments on the ongoing case.
Ross asserts that the rules were different when he originally purchased the property nearly 40 years ago, as it was then located in the county rather than within city limits. He believes the enforcement efforts against him stem from officials disapproving of his junk art wall, rather than genuine concerns about safety or property standards. He views the matter as a constitutional issue related to free speech and artistic expression, arguing that he has the right to maintain his display.
This is not the first time Ross has faced challenges from code enforcement. He claims that in the past four years, officials have attempted to take action against him twice but later backed off. However, he believes the city is taking a more aggressive stance this time.
At 75 years old, Ross remains firm in his position and has stated that he is willing to escalate the matter legally. If necessary, he intends to file a lawsuit in federal court to defend what he sees as his constitutional rights to express himself through his property’s artistic display. The case highlights an ongoing debate between property rights, artistic freedom, and municipal regulations in urban areas.
