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Supervisors ask planning commission to study help for property owners facing asbestos and dilapidated houses
Summary
Board members discussed homeowners struggling with asbestos remediation and slow abatement contractors and asked staff and the planning commission to research information, potential funding sources and possible non‑regulatory assistance to help property owners remove hazardous materials and demolish unsafe houses.
Supervisors heard from members concerned about properties with collapsed or collapsing houses where asbestos abatement and demolition present high costs and long contractor wait lists. The board directed the planning commission and county staff to research options for providing information and potential assistance to homeowners.
A supervisor described an example of two houses on one property that are deteriorating and said local owners have found asbestos testing and abatement processes lengthy and expensive. Board members discussed whether an ordinance would help; staff and the planning commission said rules alone may not help owners who already face long abatement waits and that an information or assistance program may be a better first step.
The board suggested the planning commission research best practices in other counties, identify potential grants or foundation partners, and compile a list of licensed abatement contractors and procedural steps so homeowners can pursue removal without incurring additional fines.
What’s next: Staff and the planning commission will gather information and report back with possible non‑regulatory solutions and referral resources for homeowners with dilapidated properties and hazardous materials.
