Board orders fence and exterior repairs at 2080 Douglas Avenue, sets Oct. 1 compliance deadline

Aug. 28, 2024 — The Municipal Code Enforcement Board found the estate of Bert J. Smith in violation of city code for exterior surfaces and fence maintenance at 2080 Douglas Avenue and ordered the respondent to correct the violations by Oct. 1, 2024. The board warned that a $150 per day fine per violation may be imposed for continued noncompliance.

"This is case 97‑24 for 2080 Douglas Avenue. There are 2 violations at this property for exterior surfaces and fence maintenance," Inspector Gregory Dixon told the board as he presented photographs showing peeling paint, rotten wood, mold and missing fence boards.

Inspector Dixon outlined compliance steps: repair or replace defective structural elements so exterior surfaces are free of mildew, rust and peeling paint; and remove or repair the failing backyard fence by replacing rotten or missing boards and securing fence spaces to maintain vertical alignment. He recommended a compliance deadline of Oct. 1 and a fine of $150 per day per violation if the respondent did not comply.

A board member moved to find the respondent in violation; the motion passed on a voice vote. A subsequent motion to issue the order requiring correction by Oct. 1, 2024 — with the $150 per day fine if the violations continued — also passed.

The board's order restated the standard enforcement remedies: fines and fees that remain unpaid three months after a lien is filed may lead to foreclosure or collection by the city. Inspectors said they had not received contact from the property’s occupants or representatives about resolving the violations as of the hearing.

The order gives the estate until Oct. 1 to repair exterior surfaces and secure the fence or face escalating fines and potential lien enforcement by the city.