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Hearing authority affirms demolition permit for 1307 Washington Street after years of code violations
Summary
The Lafayette Hearing Authority on Sept. 16 affirmed a demolition permit for a long-vacant, deteriorated house at 1307 Washington Street after staff presented a history of repeated code violations dating to 2017 and an owner asked for more time.
The Lafayette Hearing Authority voted Sept. 16 to affirm a demolition permit for the residential structure at 1307 Washington Street after code-enforcement staff detailed repeated violations and long-term vacancy. A staff presenter summarized the record: utilities were disconnected, windows had been boarded, and repeated code violations dating back to 2017 included a long-standing hole in the roof, missing or broken windows, peeling paint, siding and trim needing protective coating, porous or failing porch supports, and foundation issues caused by loose bricks. Staff said the property was determined unsafe on Jan. 13, 2025, and a notice was posted; the authority declared the property abandoned on Jan. 21, 2025 due to unpaid taxes and other findings. The presenter said the taxes were subsequently paid. The presenter also said a seal order issued on Jan. 13, 2025 had been complied with. Owner Barry Richardson addressed the authority and described personal and financial hardships, said he had attempted repairs, and asked for time to finish work; he also disputed some enforcement history and cited neighbors' behavior as complicating repair efforts. Staff and members told Richardson the authority works month-to-month on cases where progress is being made and that continuous, visible progress would be required to avoid execution of the demolition permit. The authority then moved, seconded and voted to affirm the demolition permit for 1307 Washington Street; votes were recorded by voice and the transcript does not include a roll-call tally. Staff told Richardson he could meet with inspectors after the hearing to discuss specific steps and timelines, but that the demolition process would continue if he did not follow up. Ending: The authority affirmed the demolition permit and offered the owner a short window to meet with staff and show continuous progress; further administrative steps and possible demolition will follow if the owner does not comply.
