Board approves emergency demolition at 729 South Webster, cites I.C. 36-7-9-9
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Summary
City staff notified the Board of Public Works and Safety that a house at 729 South Webster, damaged by fire in 2021 and described as open and hazardous, will be demolished; the board approved the emergency demolition and authorized advertising for demolition bids due Sept. 24, 2025.
The Kokomo City Board of Public Works and Safety on Aug. 27 approved an emergency demolition order for the structure at 729 South Webster Street.
Chelsea, a city staff member presenting the item, said the property "caught fire in 2021" and that the structure is "completely wide open, harboring wildlife and a fire hazard," which led the office to determine the building is dangerous. She said the city provided multiple notifications — posting at the property and certified mail — before declaring the emergency demolition necessary to "protect life, safety, or property in accordance with I.C. 36-7-9-9." The board voted to approve the demolition and to advertise for bids with responses due Sept. 24, 2025.
Why it matters: The action authorizes removal of a structure the city has identified as a hazard and starts a procurement process for demolition contractors. The board referenced Indiana Code 36-7-9-9 as the statutory basis for emergency demolition authority.
Board action: Motion carried; staff will advertise for demolition bids to be returned by Sept. 24, 2025.