Board orders demolition or appeal for dilapidated house at 325 Westmoreland

The Abilene Board of Building Standards on July 2 ordered the owner of a condemned house at 325 Westmoreland to demolish the structure or appeal the board's decision to district court within 30 days.

The board found the property a public nuisance and hazardous to public health, safety and welfare after staff documented interior and exterior dilapidation, faulty weather protection and hazardous electrical and plumbing conditions. Ricky Wright, property maintenance inspector with the city of Abilene, said the structure became vacant after an eviction in October 2023 and an affidavit of condemnation was recorded the same month. Wright told the board a permit issued in July 2024 expired in April 2025 and no inspections were completed.

Board members voted to accept staff’s recommendation that repair be deemed unreasonable and that the owner be ordered to demolish the structure. The motion was made by Mister McBrayer and seconded by Mister Allred. The board recorded affirmative roll-call votes on the motion and on a subsequent motion restating the 30-day appeal deadline and the city's right to demolish if the owner does not comply.

The order allows the owner to appeal to district court within 30 calendar days of receiving notice. Wright said staff had not had sustained communications with the owner beyond the initial permitting contact, and no new permits or inspections had been completed since the permit expired.

The board’s action follows the condemnation affidavit and previous notices sent to the owner; Wright said the property had been inspected at the request of a county constable because of the property's condition. The city advised owners at the start of the hearing that buildings must be secured within 10 days of notice and that appeals must be filed in district court within 30 days.

No members of the public spoke in support of the property owner at the hearing.