Hopkinsville board finds 203 W. 19th St. an unsafe structure, gives owner 90 days to complete repairs

The City of Hopkinsville Code Ordinance Enforcement Board voted to find the house at 203 West 19th Street an unsafe structure and ordered repairs to be completed within 90 days, the board said at its July 2025 hearing.

Code enforcement officer Mark DeArmond of the Hopkinsville Fire Department told the board inspectors found most exterior windows broken, an unsecured door that allowed interior access, and interior water and structural damage when they inspected the property after a May 14 complaint. DeArmond said utilities were disconnected (water in December 2022, electric in February 2023 and gas in November 2024) and that the property’s condition met the city’s unsafe-structure checklist criteria.

The board’s action assessed the minimum fine of $350 plus a $200 administrative fee and granted the owner up to 90 days from the board’s order to complete the city’s seven-step cure process. DeArmond reported that an estimate and scope of work had been submitted by a contractor based in Nashville and that crews had begun stripping and interior work in late June; the contractor’s estimate projected work beginning June 25 and completing on or about Aug. 4. The owner listed in property-assessment records lives in Antioch, Tennessee and did not appear at the hearing.

Why it matters: the house sits near the hospital and DeArmond told the board the unsecured openings and broken glass posed a public-safety and nuisance risk for the neighborhood. The board noted that, under the city ordinance cited in the hearing, an owner may seek judicial review in Christian District Court within 30 days of the board’s final order.

Details from the inspection: DeArmond presented photos showing broken or missing windows on nearly all openings, damaged and missing exterior siding, interior ceiling and floor collapse in places, exposed electrical wiring and missing breaker(s) in an electrical panel. He said the unsafe-structure checklist scored the property 11 of 17 applicable exterior/interior items (about 65 percent) and 8 of 10 applicable interior items (80 percent in an interior subscore). DeArmond also said property taxes were current and existing city liens on the parcel totaled $564.70.

Board action and process: after DeArmond’s testimony, a board member moved to find a violation; the motion carried by voice vote. The board then moved to levy the minimum fine, add the $200 administrative fee, and allow the 90-day cure period; that motion also passed by voice vote. The board’s order allows remedies under the city’s unsafe-structure procedures and states that if the city cannot prove a violation the citation would be dismissed.

The board directed staff to monitor progress and indicated they would consider extending time only if firm, documented progress continued under the city’s seven-step cure plan. The board also noted the owner may appeal the final order to Christian District Court within 30 days.

Monitoring and next steps: DeArmond said inspectors will perform periodic drive-by and follow-up inspections while repairs proceed. If the owner does not meet the city’s cure requirements, the board’s order allows the city to pursue abatement and other remedies specified in the Hopkinsville Code.