Downtown code enforcement reports progress: nearly 80% of targeted buildings now safe, city continues push to attract occupancy

Beaumont staff reported July 15 that a proactive downtown code‑enforcement program launched in March 2024 has reduced unsafe conditions and spurred development interest. Deputy Building Official Bo Hanson said teams canvassed blocks and objectively assessed existing buildings under the 2021 International Existing Building Code and that the focus is on safety: "A vacant structure that is not secured against entry shall be deemed unsafe," Hanson told the council. He said the program has moved many buildings from unsafe to secure or repaired condition: "When we began this in March 2024, 36% of the buildings were unsafe ... Today, nearly 80% of the buildings are safe." Hanson walked council through examples — collapsed facades, unsecured entrances, flooded basements and roof drainage failures — and described the department’s preference for negotiated repair plans rather than fines: "The job of the building official is to prevent tragedies like this from ever occurring in the first place." He cited metrics showing development momentum: five planning applications submitted, nine predevelopment meetings in 15 months, and nine additional active certificates of occupancy in the downtown enforcement area. Council asked about municipal court timelines for unresolved violations and staff explained the civil/municipal process can extend for weeks or months while judges schedule hearings; staff said most cases are still in process and that municipal court dockets and due‑process steps influence timing. Hanson asked council whether it preferred quarterly updates going forward because many remaining properties are in due process; council agreed to less frequent scheduled updates with ad‑hoc reports for major changes. Ending: Staff said they have converted several properties to temporary compliance, have owners listing buildings for sale in some cases, and will continue mixed enforcement and assistance, noting the Gilbert Building fire demonstrated risk at unsecured properties.