Clute — The Clute City Council, sitting as the Board of Adjustment, found the house at 247 Barber Drive to be a dangerous structure on Oct. 25 and voted unanimously to order repairs or demolition if physical work does not commence within 30 days.

City staff presented photographs and inspection reports showing a large hole in the roof, extensive interior and exterior decay, vegetation and debris. The city attorney told the board that, under the standards provided in the packet — including Clute’s code of ordinances and the International Property Maintenance Code — the property met the definition of an unsafe or dangerous building and the board had authority to order repair or demolition. “I would request that y’all answer that first question, you know, take a look and then answer that first question and make a finding that it’s a dangerous structure,” the city attorney said during the hearing.

At the hearing the property owner, identified in the record as Mr. Hayslip, told the council he intends to repair the house and described personal and family circumstances that he said had delayed work. He said he had engaged a consulting firm and a contractor to manage repairs but acknowledged significant work remained, including structural roof repairs and interior cleanout. Hayslip told the board the house has been in disrepair for about four years, that the house has vaulted ceilings rather than an attic, and that utilities such as water and gas had been turned off.

City witnesses said an administrative search warrant was used to permit interior inspection and that the fire marshal inspected and prepared a report. Staff summarized the typical remedies the board may order: require the owner to repair or demolish within 30 days; allow up to 90 days with a set schedule and milestones; or, in limited circumstances with a concrete plan presented at the hearing, grant more than 90 days.

Councilman Hagar moved — and Councilman Chris seconded — an order that if work does not commence on the repairs within 30 days the city will move to demolish the structure. The motion passed unanimously.

The board and staff discussed enforcement if the owner does not comply. City staff said the city maintains a roster of preapproved contractors to perform demolition; if the city demolishes the building it will place a lien on the property to recover costs. Staff estimated that typical demolition recoveries run around $5,000 in many cases but cautioned that larger, block-constructed structures and extensive cleanup could increase costs substantially; during the hearing council members and the owner referenced repair estimates ranging (by comment) from about $120,000 to $178,000 and an example demolition/cleanup figure of at least $40,000. The city attorney emphasized that any actual contractor estimate would require a site inspection.

After the vote the board directed staff to prepare a written order for the chair to sign; staff said that order would be completed and made available to the owner promptly. The owner was told he may return to the board before the 30-day period ends to show progress and seek reconsideration, but staff cautioned scheduling and notice requirements could create delay.

The public hearing was closed and the meeting proceeded to adjournment.