Hopkinsville code board finds multiple properties unsafe, orders abatement, demolition and towing

The City of Hopkinsville Code of Ordinance Enforcement Board closed three public hearings and took multiple enforcement actions after hearing code officers— reports that properties meet the city—s unsafe-structure criteria.

The board heard testimony from code enforcement officers Mark DeArmond and Darnell West and considered statements from property owners or their representatives. After deliberation the board: (1) found a structure at the address cited in case CEBPM24-10-017 to be unsafe and authorized city abatement and a minimum fine plus administrative fees; (2) found the property in case CEBPM24-12-004 in violation but granted the owner 90 days to bring it up to code and assessed a minimum fine plus administrative fees; (3) found the property in case CEVPM25-01-007 unsafe and ordered demolition with a fine and administrative fee; (4) upheld a set of default citations listed on the agenda with an administrative fee; and (5) approved towing of an abandoned vehicle at 1535 East Seventh Street associated with case O8005.

Board action and why it matters

Hopkinsville relies on its Code of Ordinance Enforcement Board to address properties judged to be unsafe, which can involve demolition, city-funded abatement with a lien on the property, or time-limited repair agreements. The board—s decisions authorize follow-up work by city staff or contracted vendors and can result in liens when the city pays to abate or demolish.

Case CEBPM24-10-017 (Theophilus Smith)

Mark DeArmond, code enforcement officer for the Hopkinsville Fire Department, presented photographs and inspection findings for the property identified in the agenda as case CEBPM24-10-017. DeArmond described interior conditions including missing floors and floor joists, dirt floors, walls supported only by loose concrete blocks, a sagging roof and a leaning chimney. He also reported that electric and water services remained active while Atmos Energy showed no gas service. DeArmond summarized the unsafe-structure checklist results and told the board that, based on the checklist, the…