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Bluff staff weigh demolition permits, asbestos concerns for older mobile/modular homes
Summary
At the joint Bluff meeting on March 20, commissioners and staff discussed whether the town should require demolition permits for certain structures, noting state code distinctions for private vs. publicly owned buildings and raising public-safety concerns about asbestos in abandoned mobile homes.
Bluff planning staff and council members discussed adding or clarifying demolition permits in the town—s updated building regulations at the March 20 joint meeting, citing public-health concerns about aging mobile and modular homes.
A staff member said state law generally does not require a demolition permit for private residential buildings but does apply to publicly owned structures; the participant recommended further research into whether the town should require permits for demolition of older mobile homes that may contain asbestos.
Commissioners described neighborhood instances where modular and mobile units were degraded to the point that insulation or other materials were exposed. A councilor said a mechanism is needed so structures with potential asbestos do not get moved or torn apart in a way that could release hazardous material into neighborhoods or onto roadways.
Staff noted demolition of public buildings (schools, clinics, municipal facilities) typically triggers additional filings with state environmental agencies and air-quality authorities; they said the town would need to check state requirements and whether a local demolition-permit fee should be established to track compliance and cleanup responsibilities.
Participants also discussed the policy goals behind demolition permitting: (1) protect public health by ensuring appropriate abatement and cleanup, (2) define cleanup obligations in town code or permits, and (3) protect historical resources where applicable. Commissioners asked staff to research state air-quality filing requirements and return with a recommendation about whether a local demolition permit and associated fee should be adopted.
Staff said they would follow up with the state code review and report back; no formal action was taken at the meeting.
