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Ordinance Directing the Housing Inspector to Vacate, Close, and Repair or Demolish the Dwelling at 909 Wooster Street as Unfit for Human Habitation Pursuant to Article V, Chapter 16 of the Wilmington City Code and Directing that a Notice be Placed Thereon Prohibiting Its Use or Occupancy
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Department:
Housing & Neighborhood Services
Meeting Date:
2/18/2025
Contact Name:
Brian Renner
Public Hearing:
Yes
Contact Phone:
910-341-3266
Advertising Date/Advertised By:
2/10/2025
Attachments:
Attachment #1: Ordinance 909 Wooster St.
Attachment #2: Case File Summary 909 Wooster St.
Attachment #3: Findings of Fact and Order 909 Wooster St.
Attachment #4: Photos 909 Wooster St
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this ordinance is to obtain approval for the Housing Inspector to take appropriate action to bring the dwelling into compliance with the Minimum Housing Code ("MHC").
BACKGROUND:
The dwelling at 909 Wooster Street had been identified as dilapidated through the MHC enforcement process and deemed "Unfit for Human Habitation." The dwelling is a vacant, single-family house. Initial inspection was conducted on October 5, 2023, following a report from the Wilmington Police Department about the condition of the property. The Complaint and Notice of Hearing was issued on May 7, 2024. The hearing was continued from May 23, 2024, and held on June 27, 2024. Several family members/heirs attended the hearing. The Hearing Officer issued a Finding of Fact and Order on July 1, 2024, finding that the dwelling was unfit for human habitation.
The owner was ordered to bring the dwelling into compliance with the MHC by repairing the dwelling or demolishing and removing the dwelling from the property. The owner had until December 28, 2024, to bring the dwelling into compliance or be subject to a civil penalty of $100 per day. Further, City Council could, after hearing, cause the repair or demolition and removal to be done, and the costs for that action would result in the...
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