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Ordinance Directing the Housing Inspector to Vacate, Close, and Repair or Demolish the Dwelling at 315 Meares 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: |
4/15/2025 |
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Contact Name: |
Brian Renner |
Public Hearing: |
Yes |
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Contact Phone: |
910-341-3266 |
Advertising Date/Advertised By: |
3/31/2025, 4/7/2025 |
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Attachments: |
Attachment #1: Ordinance 315 Meares St. Attachment #2: Case File Summary Attachment #3: Findings of Fact and Order Attachment #4: Photos 315 Meares St. |
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this ordinance is to obtain approval for the Housing Inspector to take appropriate action to bring the dwelling at 315 Meares Street (“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 January 19, 2023, after a tenant complaint about the condition of the Dwelling. The Dwelling is now vacant.
The Complaint and Notice of Hearing was issued on February 6, 2024, and the hearing was held on February 22, 2024. No one attended the Hearing. The Hearing Officer issued a Finding of Fact and Order on March 11, 2024, finding that the Dwelling was unfit for human habitation. The “Owner,” identified as “Matthew W. Johnson,” was 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 June 11, 2024, to bring the dwelling into compliance or be subject to a civil penalty of $100 per day.
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 is prohibited from occupying the Dwelling or receiving any rent. The Owner did not appeal the Finding of Fact and Order, and did not complete the necessary repairs or demolish the Dwelling. Code Enforcement Officers have had no recent contact with the Owner. An interior and exterior inspection was conducted on March 25, 2025, and the property remains in violation. City Council could, after a hearing on this matter, cause the repair or demolition to be done, and the costs for that action would result in a lien upon the property.
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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.