City orders demolition of unsafe property after lengthy permit delays

The City of DeLand has taken decisive action regarding a property deemed unsafe, as the Code Enforcement Special Magistrate has authorized the city to proceed with the demolition of the structure. This decision was made during a hearing on April 24, 2025, where it was revealed that the property owner had failed to address significant code violations despite multiple opportunities to rectify the situation.

The property in question has been under scrutiny since a condemnation order was issued in February 2025. The owner, Rosanne Nusi, testified about her ongoing struggles to obtain the necessary permits to repair the home, citing delays caused by contractors and the complexity of the required documentation. Despite her claims of having invested substantial time and money into the project, including hiring multiple contractors, the city confirmed that no progress had been made to bring the property into compliance.

City officials highlighted that the permit application had been pending since December 2024, with no corrections made to address the deficiencies noted by the city. The magistrate emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that the property remains unsafe and that the city could no longer wait for the owner to take action.

In a significant move, the magistrate's order allows the city to take over the demolition process, which will be funded by placing a lien on the property. This approach aims to expedite the resolution of the safety concerns while alleviating the burden on the property owner, who has expressed a desire to complete the renovations.

The hearing underscored the challenges faced by property owners in navigating the permitting process, but it also reinforced the city's commitment to ensuring public safety. As the city prepares to move forward with the demolition, it remains to be seen how this decision will impact the community and the future of the property.