Design Review Board approves certificate for forced demolition of 459 West Pine

The Florence City Design Review Board on an audio-recorded vote approved a certificate of appropriateness allowing the city to pursue demolition of a dilapidated house at 459 West Pine, identified as Florence County tax map number 90074-10-012 in the D-4 Timrod Park Overlay District.

City staff told the board the house, built in 1930 and zoned NC 6.2 (single-family residential), has been the subject of neighbor complaints “literally for decades” and that the city seeks a certificate of property to permit a forced demolition after unsuccessful attempts to compel the owner to act. Staff noted issues at the site including loitering and drug activity.

The board made approval contingent on the Historical Commission’s review; staff said it had referred this property and another on Jerome Street to the Historical Commission and did not expect findings of historic significance but had not yet received the commission’s reports. The motion as recorded was “approve as submitted, pending historical board review,” and the board voted to issue the certificate.

Staff described the city’s demolition program during discussion: it has both voluntary and involuntary tracks administered through community services. Voluntary applicants may receive funds directly or, for higher-income owners, receive demolition assistance that is secured by a lien. Involuntary or “forced” demolitions are pursued after properties are declared public hazards, with required notices, court actions and a lien placed on the property following demolition.

No public commenters spoke in opposition during the hearing on 459 West Pine. The board indicated a certificate will be issued and staff may proceed with the next procedural steps depending on the Historical Commission’s findings.