After inspection, commissioners release demo order for 10018 West Second with conditions

Warren County commissioners reviewed an inspection of a property at 10018 West Second and voted to release the county’s demolition order with conditions after inspectors reported the house is structurally sound.

Inspectors said they entered the home with the owner’s permission, photographed the interior and found no obvious signs of water damage, mold or structural failure. "Structurally wise, the building is structurally sound," an inspector reported after an on-site review. The owner, Doty Smith, told the board she would like the order released so she can sell or otherwise resolve the property status.

County staff suggested a compromise: release the demolition order now, require the owner to keep the yard mowed and the exterior secured through winter, and re-inspect in spring. Staff noted other properties in town are in equal or worse condition, and that an open demo order can be reopened if the property deteriorates again. "If it becomes a problem again with tall grass or whatever, then we restart the process," a county official said.

A board member moved to remove (release) the Smith house from the demolition action, with the caveat that enforcement could be reactivated if conditions lapse. The motion carried by voice vote. The owner and staff thanked the board; staff will monitor compliance and schedule a reinspection next spring.