Board votes to demolish fire-damaged house at 223 Saddle Brook Drive

The Building Standards Board on April 3, 2025, voted unanimously to order demolition of the fire-damaged house at 223 Saddle Brook Drive within 30 days and to clear the site of debris.

Code enforcement officer Stephanie Sanchez presented the case. She and photos entered into the record showed that a fire had consumed a large section of the roof (reported to have occurred June 8, 2024), that ceiling drywall and insulation had collapsed through the interior, and that roof trusses and chimney flue members were charred or had minimal remaining support. Sanchez told the board no contact had been made with the owner and that utilities were disconnected; staff recommended demolition.

Board member Robert Behnke moved to find the property a public nuisance and to order demolition within 30 days; Anne Weiner seconded. The board unanimously approved the motion on a roll call vote of 6-0.

Sanchez said Development Services had executed a warrant to obtain interior photos and that abatement work orders were pending to clear hazardous debris; neighbors in attendance supported removal citing interior collapse, charred roof members and an unsecured site. The board’s order requires the site to be secured, debris cleared within the 30-day timeframe, and for the owner to coordinate with code enforcement on compliance.

The board emphasized the narrow nature of the decision: it applies to the structure described in the hearing and was based on the condition evidence and public-safety concerns presented at the meeting.