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Council orders show-cause hearings, approves demolition timeline for unsafe structures; 30 days given at one address
Summary
The council advanced condemnation actions and ordered show-cause hearings for several properties, finding at least one outbuilding beyond repair and giving one occupant 30 days to remove belongings before city demolition.
The Sulphur City Council on Oct. 14 moved forward on condemnation and demolition actions for properties the city says are unsafe or a public-safety hazard.
Why it matters: Condemnation and demolition orders are a tool local governments use to address structures that pose safety risks to occupants and neighbors. The council’s actions set timelines for remediation or city-initiated demolition and, if the city demolishes, the costs can be charged to the property owner.
What the council acted on
- 716 Landry Street (agenda item 7a): The city’s code enforcement staff recommended against condemnation for one structure after the owner completed window replacements, secured the premises and completed inspections. The council’s roll-call vote considered staff’s recommendation and resulted in further action consistent with the inspection findings.
- 1413 Weekley Road (agenda item 7b): After inspection staff reported that a shed/structure’s roof had collapsed and that the structure was beyond rehabilitation and posed a public-safety hazard, the council voted to proceed with a show-cause ruling and ordered demolition if the owner did not comply. The property owner addressed the council and requested a short extension to remove belongings. The council agreed to a 30-day period for the owner to remove personal items; if not completed the city will demolish the structure and charge costs to the owner.
Council discussion and property owner statement
A property representative at 1413 Weekley Road told the council he intended to demolish the building himself and requested a 30-day extension to remove personal belongings; he accepted that, if demolition was not completed in that period, the city would have the structure demolished and assess the cost to him. Staff confirmed the structure’s condition and cited visible collapse and the potential for the building to fall in on itself.
Outcome and next steps
The council approved moving forward with show-cause actions and provided the named owner at 1413 Weekley Road 30 days to clear the building before city demolition proceeds. For any structure where the inspection and enforcement process shows rehabilitation, staff recommended against condemnation; where hazards remain, the city will proceed with demolition under the code and assess costs as allowed by ordinance.
Ending
Council members said enforcement is intended to protect residents and maintain neighborhood safety; staff will return to council with compliance updates and documentation of any demolition and cost recovery actions.
