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Ordinance Directing the Housing Inspector to Vacate, Close, and Repair or Demolish the Dwelling at 501 Swann 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: |
Compliance |
Meeting Date: |
9/22/2026 |
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Contact Name: |
Suzy Russell |
Public Hearing: |
Yes |
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Contact Phone: |
910-341-3231 |
Advertising Date/Advertised By: |
9/8/2026; 9/15/2026 |
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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 501 Swann Street (“Dwelling”) into compliance with the City’s 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 August 26, 2021, following a complaint from neighbors. The front porch and adjacent carport were occupied by non-residents.
The Complaint and Notice of Hearing was issued on November 27, 2024, and the hearing was held on December 19, 2024. The “Owners” are “Norma Jean Williams Stewart, Bernice Elizabeth Williams James, and Rita Majette Williams.” Rita Majette Williams, and Ramona James (daughter of Bernice Elizabeth Williams James, Power of Attorney) attended the hearing. An answer was also received from Rudolph Stewart, III (son of Norma Jean Williams Stewart). The Hearing Officer issued a Finding of Fact and Order on January 13, 2025, finding that the dwelling was unfit for human habitation. The Owners 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 Owner had until January 13, 2026, 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 the unit was 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 Findings of Fact and Order. The Owners have not completed the necessary repairs or demolished the dwelling. An interior and exterior inspection was conducted on February 17, 2026.
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BUDGET IMPACT:
None
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RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED:
Approval of the ordinance to repair or demolish the dwelling within 90 days is recommended.