Enid commission orders demolition of two fire-damaged houses after repeated extensions

The Enid City Commission voted unanimously to move forward with demolition of two fire-damaged properties, 229 North Tenth Street and 618 East Randolph Avenue, after several extensions and repeated requests for structural plans and permits went unmet.

Scott (code enforcement official) told the commission the cases began after fires and that the city opened minimum-housing and dilapidation proceedings. For 229 North Tenth Street, Scott said a fire occurred May 27, 2020; the city opened a minimum-housing case May 29, 2020, and a dilapidation case Jan. 9, 2024, with subsequent hearings and extensions through March 4, 2025. Scott said the owners repeatedly failed to provide the structural-engineering plans and permit applications the city requested and that no permits had been issued.

Luis Guerrero Rivera, who identified himself as an owner of one of the properties, spoke through a translator and said he had started work but stopped at the charred portions of the structure and that he had not obtained the permits. Brenda (translator) relayed that he did not have a structural engineer engaged at the time of the hearings.

Commissioners repeatedly cited safety concerns, the risk to neighboring properties and the community, and the lack of progress after multiple hearings. “At some point we do need to take action on this,” the mayor said before the vote. Code enforcement recommended demolition for both properties.

The commission voted 7-0 to approve the demolition of 229 North Tenth Street and 7-0 to approve demolition of 618 East Randolph Avenue. Scott explained the city’s usual process: if the owner does not remove the structure, the city obtains bids, completes the demolition, and places a lien on the property to recoup costs. He told commissioners that owners have up to six months to pay the invoice before it becomes a property lien.

Commissioners and staff noted the city typically does not recoup full costs and that demolition leaves a vacant lot that the owner may later sell or redevelop. Commissioners emphasized that their decisions reflect public-safety concerns and the long history of case extensions with little progress.

The commission made clear the votes were to adopt code enforcement’s demolition recommendation; no other actions were taken regarding repair timelines or permits. Owners said they intend to continue work on the properties, but no structural-engineer contracts or permit filings were presented at the meeting.