title
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
body
|
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 lien upon the property. The owner was ordered to close and secure the dwelling until it was found to be in compliance with the MHC. While the dwelling is out of compliance, the owner shall not occupy, offer the dwelling for rent, or receive any rent.
The owner did not appeal the Finding of Fact and Order. The owner did not complete the necessary repairs or take action to demolish the dwelling. Code Enforcement Officers have had contact with family members/heirs. An interior and exterior inspection was conducted on January 29, 2025, and found no improvements.
budget
BUDGET IMPACT:
N/A
recommendation
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED:
Staff recommends approval of the ordinance to repair or demolish the dwelling within 90 days, and immediate authority to keep the dwelling vacant and secure.