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La Porte Council authorizes notices for 16 properties deemed 'dangerous' by inspections board
Summary
After a spring inspection report, the Dangerous Buildings Inspections Board identified multiple structures at risk of collapse or severe deterioration. The council authorized staff to notify owners and begin due‑process steps for possible hearings and remediation, excluding one property removed from the list.
The La Porte City Council voted to authorize administrative staff to notify owners of 16 properties the Dangerous Buildings Inspections Board determined to be dangerous, starting the city’s formal process for repair or possible demolition.
A staff presentation to council listed 16 addresses the board recommended for follow‑up under Chapter 82 of the city code. The board is composed of the chief building official, the fire chief and the fire marshal. The properties include single‑family homes, garages and outbuildings with roof collapse, foundation failure, open windows and other structural hazards; several properties also had outstanding taxes or liens, the staff report said.
Examples cited in the report included a rear garage at 113 North Third Street described as “collapsing” and a mobile home at 201 Pine Bluff Lot 4 struck by a fallen tree; staff said some owners were in contact and others appeared unoccupied. For multiple properties staff documented holes in roofs that allow water penetration and large areas of structural rot.
Councilmember McCauley made the motion to notify owners of all properties identified by the board except 405 South Iowa, which the board had recommended removing from consideration; Councilmember Williams seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Staff told council that notifying owners is the first step in a multi‑step due‑process sequence: after notification the city will hold public hearings to determine whether to order repairs or demolition. Staff said some properties with active water accounts are easier to contact because they are likely occupied; others had no water accounts and may be vacant.
What happens next: staff will send formal notices to owners of the properties listed by the Dangerous Buildings Inspections Board (less 405 South Iowa), schedule public hearings and report back to council with recommended actions and timelines.
