Hearing authority affirms demo order for 3401 Northeastwood, puts property on administrative enforcement

The Unsafe Building Hearing Authority on Oct. 9 affirmed a demolition order for the property at 3401 Northeastwood Drive and moved the case to administrative enforcement, allowing the owner additional time to complete a voluntary demolition before the city places the property on its demolition schedule.

A representative for 3 Way Rental Solution, Alisa Walton, told the board she felt the property had been unfairly targeted and described upkeep efforts: “I personally feel picked on ... our property is well manicured. It's fenced in, and it's private property.” Staff responded that initial photos showed overgrown shrubs, boarded openings and other unsafe conditions and that the property had been tagged on July 30; inspectors said some exterior maintenance was required sooner than the owner could commit to demolishing.

To balance those concerns, the board affirmed the demolition order but placed the property on administrative enforcement. Under that approach the city will not levy a civil penalty now and will add the property to the city’s demolition list; the owner may still demolish the structure herself, and if she does so before receiving formal city demolition-notice letters the city will not charge a civil penalty. City staff said the demolition list is large and the city likely will not schedule this property for demolition for about a year if the owner does not act sooner.

The authority approved the administrative-enforcement plan and continued monitoring; staff will notify the owner in writing and follow up at the next hearing.