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Ordinance Directing the Housing Inspector to Vacate, Close, and Repair the Dwelling at 709 South 7th 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: |
3/18/2025 |
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Contact Name: |
Brian Renner |
Public Hearing: |
Yes |
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Contact Phone: |
910-341-3266 |
Advertising Date/Advertised By: |
3/3/2025, 3/10/2025 |
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Attachments: |
Attachment #1: Ordinance - 709 S. 7th St . Attachment #2: Case File Summary 709 S. 7th St. Attachment #3: Findings of Fact and Order 709 S. 7th St. Attachment #4: Photos 709 S. 7th St. |
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this ordinance is to obtain approval for the Housing Inspector to take appropriate action to bring the dwelling at 709 South 7th Street (“Dwelling”) into compliance with the Minimum Housing Code (“MHC”).
BACKGROUND:
The Dwelling was identified as deteriorated through the MHC enforcement process and deemed “Unfit for Human Habitation.” The Dwelling is a vacant, single-family house. The initial inspection was conducted on October 19, 2020. The case began with a complaint about the condition of the Dwelling. The Dwelling was occupied by a tenant and was vacated prior to hearing.
The Complaint and Notice of Hearing was issued on March 8, 2022. The hearing was held on March 22, 2022. No one attended the hearing. The Hearing Officer issued a Finding of Fact and Order on April 11, 2022, which found that the dwelling was unfit for human habitation. The Owners, identified as “Derick Hansley and wife, Unitia Hansley,” were ordered to bring the dwelling into compliance with the MHC by repairing the dwelling. The Owners had until August 11, 2022, 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 to be done, and the costs for that action would result in the 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 shall not occupy, offer the dwelling for rent, or receive any rent. The Owners did not appeal the Finding of Fact and Order. The Owners did not complete the necessary repairs. Code Enforcement Officers have had contact with the Owners. An interior and exterior inspection was conducted on February 25, 2025, and the property has been vacated, but remains in violation.
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BUDGET IMPACT:
N/A
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RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED:
Approval of the ordinance to repair the dwelling within 90 days is recommended.