Hearing authority orders partial vacate at 304 South Sixth Street over unsafe staircase

The Lafayette Hearing Authority on Sept. 16 ordered the owner to vacate three west-side apartments (1W, 2W and 3W) at 304 South Sixth Street after staff described a structurally unsound exterior staircase that serves those units. Staff said the staircase relies on decaying posts that are not properly attached to the building, has railings below the 36-inch minimum, headroom below the required 80 inches, narrow stair widths (about 24 inches versus the required 36) and surfaces that create slip hazards. Staff reported two of the three west-side units were already empty; the authority ordered the owner to vacate the remaining occupied west-side unit and to repair the structure. A staff member said the likely remedy will require demolition of the existing staircase and construction of a new engineered staircase; because the property sits in a historic area, new work will require historical commission review. The authority's motion to partially vacate the building and require repair was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote. Staff said they will work with the owner and with housing/maintenance staff to try to assist the displaced tenant with alternative placement, but the authority cannot order the owner to find housing; penalties and fines may be assessed for noncompliance and unpaid penalties can be placed as liens on the property. Ending: The partial vacate order takes effect while the owner pursues required repairs, and staff will follow up to ensure the staircase is removed or rebuilt to meet code before the units become habitable again.