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Neighbor asks council to tighten demolition timeline after burned house lingered; manager to report back
Summary
A Portsmouth homeowner said a burned house took too long to be demolished and asked the council to review permitting rules that allow a six‑month start/finish window; councilmembers said they are discussing the permitting process and the city manager will report back.
Brenda Porter Rockwell told Portsmouth City Council that a burned house at 1700 Camden Avenue took an extended period to be demolished and asked the council to examine a permitting caveat that she said gives developers six months to start and finish demolition and allows the clock to reset if partial work occurs.
"So I was hoping to get some clarification on that at some point. That's the question. Is that real?" Porter Rockwell asked.
Councilman Dotsen said the presentation had "spawned a lot of thought" among members and that the council was talking about ordinance changes but could not yet promise action. City Manager Steven Carter said staff would provide a report back to the council with the requested information.
Porter Rockwell also recommended shortening the period from six months to something shorter, for example four months, to avoid lengthy property blight and public hazards. Council members acknowledged the concern and requested city staff review the permitting timeline and related enforcement procedures and report back to the council for possible changes.
