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Ordinance Directing the Housing Inspector to Vacate, Close, and Repair or Demolish the Dwelling at 1308 Queen Street as Unfit for Human Habitation Pursuant to Article V, Chapter 16 of the 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: |
9/23/2025 |
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Contact Name: |
Brian D. Renner |
Public Hearing: |
Yes |
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Contact Phone: |
910-341-3231 |
Advertising Date/Advertised By: |
9/8/2025; 9/15/2025 |
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Attachments: |
Attachment #1: Ordinance; Attachment #2: Case File Summary; Attachment #3: Findings of Fact and Order; Attachment #4: Photos |
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this ordinance is to obtain approval for the Housing Inspector to take appropriate action to bring the dwelling at 1308 Queen St. (“Dwelling”) into compliance with the Minimum Housing Code (“MHC”) within 90 days.
BACKGROUND:
The Dwelling was identified as dilapidated through the MHC enforcement process and deemed “Unfit for Human Habitation.” The Dwelling is a vacant, single-family house, and the initial inspection was conducted on September 25, 2024, after a neighbor's complaint about the condition of the Dwelling.
The Complaint and Notice of Hearing were issued on August 6, 2024, and the hearing was held on August 22, 2024. Three heirs attended the Hearing. The Hearing Officer issued a Finding of Fact and Order on August 12, 2024, finding that the Dwelling was unfit for human habitation. The “Owners,” identified as “All Lawful Heirs of Williams Edward Robinson, Jr., Jeffery Moore, Darius Bryant, Maia Bryant, Andrea Saxton, Jarrell Pridgen, Janee Pridgen,” were ordered to bring the Dwelling into compliance with the MHC by repairing the Dwelling or demolishing and removing the structure from the property. The Owners had until August 29, 2025, 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 to be done, and the costs for that action would result in a lien upon the property.
The Owners were 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 Owners are prohibited from occupying the Dwelling or receiving any rent. The Owners did not appeal the Finding of Fact and Order, and did not complete the necessary repairs or demolish the Dwelling. An interior and exterior inspection was conducted on September 4, 2025, and the property remains in violation.
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BUDGET IMPACT:
N/A
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RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED:
Approval of the ordinance to repair and/or demolish the dwelling within 90 days is recommended.