Sweetwater council declares three structures dilapidated, orders repairs or demolition within 35 days

The Sweetwater City Council on June 10 held public hearings on and then declared three properties dilapidated or otherwise unfit for human habitation, ordering owners to repair, rehabilitate or demolish the structures within 35 days of the orders.

City code enforcement staff Vester Munarazzi and Robert So (sworn for testimony) presented the cases. For 505 Elm Street, code enforcement described a former storage building on a property whose owner had not responded to written notices; the council approved a declaration and directed removal or rehabilitation within 35 days.

For 205 West Alabama Avenue, staff said owners did not respond to a 30-day and follow-up 10-day notice and noted the structure may be rehabilitatable because it is a stone home; the council declared the structure dilapidated and set a 35-day compliance period.

For 115 Fisher Street, staff reported unsecured windows and a collapsed roof; the property owner had previously contacted staff about removing the structure but had not completed the work. The council declared the property dilapidated and ordered repair or demolition within 35 days.

City Attorney Samantha Murrow swore in code enforcement witnesses before the hearings. Council members opened and closed each public hearing and voted to approve the declarations and the 35-day compliance orders. The council record shows no public speakers who objected during those hearings.

The declarations authorize the city to require repair, rehabilitation or demolition if owners do not comply within the specified period; council actions were passed by vote during the June 10 meeting.