[{"_1":2,"_87":-5,"_88":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6472381,"mediaKeyId","5776323-8a5bd5e860c2de713dd726fcd3b0629e","parentId",5776323,"title","Decatur code enforcement updates multiple substandard-property cases; demolition and permit compliance discussed","audioSeconds",1793,"startMs",74000,"endMs",1867300,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5776323-8a5bd5e860c2de713dd726fcd3b0629e&start=74&end=1867","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5776323-8a5bd5e860c2de713dd726fcd3b0629e/thumbnail_74000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6472381/Decatur/Wise-County/Texas/Decatur-code-enforcement-updates-multiple-substandard-property-cases-demolition-and-permit-compliance-discussed","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6472381-91b818d5e74294e72319040b9733232b/orig.mp4?Expires=1777547850&Signature=Nj0Fx6k4jBFhOqWuNep-jRi6W0L6m6QbQOnYJxwMIuIbV-jeyxjNI0dl-r5kzMYw8nSqJDeV58HvJAiOga1PbQGoDDXUzfisEgxwv-K~4gZ9KvZEPbmRWQ1giAsijuOLVtMspXyVz~TckkQyexPqxe1ZqwMz-8yQDGXzd6-2IOYGRy7GZg8py6iKSJEFpsEqmHutvBgTWzRbZB0U2TBeEKcUodrV0iPjVJEmykqf6fN542jxzvygjzVDCLD82CC7y-nhWYE31D~NN645ZNPk~uREh87~s25RMdlIJbTHG1kRntfY87K2flrThsxtCVy9e3PmH8LAVeclhHk2XjAMxA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Decatur","date","2025-09-15T00:00:00Z","article","Code enforcement staff updated the Decatur Building Standards Commission on a series of substandard‑structure cases, reporting progress on demolitions, permit follow‑ups and property maintenance actions across the city.

Rick Denny, the city’s code enforcement officer, told the commission that the owner of 503 West Ward Street, Cristobal Hernandez, opted to demolish the structure and had nearly completed debris removal: “he’s down to probably 1 more roll off dumpster full of stuff, and he’ll be complete with that.” Denny said staff will continue to monitor that site as the demolition wraps up.

Staff also reported that the property at 705 Walnut — a former apartment building currently used for storage — needs substantial work and that the out‑of‑town owner has requested more time to decide whether to demo or repair the structure. On 905 East Ward, staff said unpermitted emergency work had been performed to stabilize a dangerous house; the owner agreed to obtain permits so inspectors can review completed work and ensure code compliance.

Other cases highlighted included 302 South Lane, which staff said has long been in poor condition but whose owner recently indicated plans to rebuild and pull necessary permits after a prior sale fell through, and 301 South Trenton, which, staff said, has been returned to compliance after repairs. The long‑vacant building at 502 North Newark remains a priority; staff said the owner acknowledged the need for demolition and has been asked to contact demolition contractors.

Commissioners raised practical questions about utilities and demolition permits. Denny explained that demo permits require inspectors to verify that gas and power are disconnected and that sewer laterals are capped prior to removal. Commissioners also asked whether staff can enter vacant buildings; staff said entry requires an administrative search warrant or other legal authority unless the owner consents.

Commissioners and staff compared the code enforcement civil process and the criminal citation process: Wayne (staff member) clarified that criminal citations can be issued immediately for occupied habitability violations, while the Building Standards Commission carries out civil, quasi‑judicial timelines (such as 30, 60 or 90 days) when owners request extensions or plans to remedy violations.

Staff said they will continue with case notices and bring any required actions back to the Building Standards Commission for further orders or timelines.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Decatur - Building Standards Commission Workshop","oneSentenceSummary","Staff reported progress on several properties — including demolition work at 503 West Ward Street and repair/permit issues at 905 East Ward and 705 Walnut — and described enforcement options for vacant versus occupied structures.","taxTitle","Decatur, Wise County, Texas","taxId",52370,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6472386,"Decatur Building Standards Commission unanimously backs adding minimum service requirements to property-standards ordinance",1122,145190,1267560,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5776323-8a5bd5e860c2de713dd726fcd3b0629e&start=145&end=1267","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5776323-8a5bd5e860c2de713dd726fcd3b0629e/thumbnail_145190.jpg","/articles/6472386/Decatur/Wise-County/Texas/Decatur-Building-Standards-Commission-unanimously-backs-adding-minimum-service-requirements-to-property-standards-ordinance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6472386-8ff80bc020aa631a1a811b2620e91edb/orig.mp4?Expires=1777547850&Signature=bgHBEkWqAAsh3kXRk~HToCly9Oi4xT8nHpYdvA37eMpwIAV--MIL645bm7yJuW-ifsnMJPSS~hCFBT2Yq96oieyLgCZD78CVpw1zvEIyrEZvJ6dRvGpzo6myhsDiuOiZidIUbBdzoRluz~O7cPmNaGGWaV4k8Olabpi6XRLz8S2MTgISDa-5rrTcE4scKPv7RxmICX4AAfvio1-XJRX3GbM5nxmmaQ9JtgmRYSYkOecPMSzr66xIuA-hn-JGn7yADUuo97OgqyQDFyI8ZiP8KFWD1y-apoKfMP-XoVdvyilxBZZHWZcfZh7VlXcLFxOB5eLqMdplA11Mj1A8V-7kMw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Decatur Building Standards Commission voted unanimously to recommend that City Council adopt a revision to Section 10-111 of the city’s minimum property standards ordinance that would add minimum service requirements for occupied dwellings, commissioners said.

Commissioners said the proposed new subsection would require residential units to have basic, functioning services — including a kitchen sink, lavatory, tub or shower, water closet, hot and cold running water, water heating, heating facilities and basic electrical fixtures — and that those fixtures be connected to potable water and wastewater systems and maintained in good and sanitary working condition.

Commissioner Sean moved to approve the recommendation and Commissioner Danny seconded; the motion passed unanimously. The commission’s action was limited to a recommendation to city council; no ordinance change is final until council consideration.

Code enforcement staff described the revision as responding to on‑going enforcement cases in which properties lacked basic services while still being occupied. Rick Denny, the commission’s code enforcement officer, said one property owner, Cristobal Hernandez, chose to demolish a structure at 503 West Ward Street and “he’s down to probably 1 more roll off dumpster full of stuff, and he’ll be complete with that. So it looks a lot better.” Denny also walked the commission through the proposed language and how it would sit alongside existing building codes.

Commissioners asked how the revision would be enforced and whether the clauses require all items to be missing to deem a building substandard. Denny said the proposed clause is written so any single listed deficiency would render a dwelling noncompliant: “it is which does not comply with the following requirements,” meaning the items are standalone standards. Commissioners pressed for clarity on whether a temporarily vacant but secured property with utilities shut off would be treated as substandard; staff said the rule applies to occupied dwellings. “You can have a vacant property with the utility shut off, but nobody living in it. . . And then that’s okay. But as soon as they move in, then they have to follow-up,” Denny said.

Commissioner Sammer asked whether terms such as “good working condition” are defined; staff responded that the adopted building codes and state law provide the technical standards and safety rules that would apply. In more detail, staff said building‑code requirements and state law govern installation and safety features for water heaters, heating appliances and related equipment, and enforcement would reference those codes.

Staff and commissioners discussed typical enforcement timelines. Denny said enforcement often involves initial notice and a corrective timeframe that can range from about 10 days to a month depending on circumstances; longer schedules can be granted through the Building Standards Commission or other civil processes if a property owner presents a remediation plan. Wayne (staff member) explained the distinction between criminal citations and the commission’s civil, quasi‑judicial proceedings: citations may be issued immediately when an occupied dwelling lacks minimum habitability standards, while the commission can grant 30‑, 60‑ or 90‑day timelines under its authority when appropriate.

Commissioners said they will forward staff’s notes and the revisions to City Council with the commission’s unanimous recommendation and asked staff to incorporate clarifications discussed at the meeting before council review.","The commission voted to recommend that city council adopt an amendment to Section 10-111 that adds minimum service requirements—such as functioning plumbing, heating and electricity—for occupied dwellings; commissioners discussed enforcement timelines and exceptions for vacant, secured properties.","actionData","errors"]

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Decatur code enforcement updates multiple substandard-property cases; demolition and permit compliance discussed

Decatur Building Standards Commission unanimously backs adding minimum service requirements to property-standards ordinance