Decatur panel gives owner 90 days to repair or demolish deteriorating house at 605 North Arthur

The Decatur Building Standards Commission on Feb. 19 voted unanimously to find the structure at 605 North Arthur Street substandard and ordered the owner to repair, remove or demolish the building within 90 days. The commission’s motion requires demolition to begin no later than Feb. 20, 2025, and all work to be completed by May 20, 2025; the property must remain secured from unauthorized entry while work is underway.

City staff presented exhibits and photographs showing a deteriorated main structure, collapsed interior ceilings and apparent structural damage. The staff recommendation — based on the City of Decatur Code of Ordinances, Article 4 (unsafe, dangerous or hazardous buildings and structures) and the city’s minimum property standards — concluded the building is “unsafe, unsanitary, and a danger to public health” and an “attractive nuisance.” The commission accepted that finding and then considered abatement timelines prescribed by ordinance and state law.

Owner Keith Dawson told the commission he has used the building primarily for storage of farm equipment and household furnishings for about 20 years and that he pays property taxes. Dawson said his family previously had the property reclassified on tax records as a structure used for storage rather than a house. He said he has applied for a government improvement loan and has spoken with three demolition companies, which provided a roughly $20,000 estimate to tear down the vertical portions of the building.

Staff noted the case dates back to at least May 29, 2024, when an inspector recorded a conversation with Dawson in which Dawson acknowledged the house was in bad shape and said demolition was necessary but that money was an obstacle. Commissioners said they were concerned that the roof and internal framing appeared near collapse and that the condition posed a risk to neighbors and children.

The commission voted first to declare the structure substandard and then voted to require repair, removal or demolition within 90 days. Both votes were unanimous. City staff said the ordinance establishes three possible abatement timeframes (30 days; 30–90 days; and more than 90 days with a required detailed plan and progress reports). The commission selected the 90-day option to allow the owner time to begin work but said staff will provide regular progress reports and will bring the matter back to the commission if the owner does not comply.

If the owner fails to comply, staff told the commission the city may order the structure demolished and then file a lien against the property to recover demolition costs; the city cited a past instance in which the city paid for demolition and filed a lien when ownership could not be determined.

The commission made the decision after reviewing the packet of exhibits, which included the initial notice letter (May 2, 2024), title and tax records (including two tax suits noted in the title report), the notice of proposed action (certified mail and posted June 1, 2024), and photos and case notes. Staff said the main structure is secured but is not structurally sound.

The commission’s order: demolition to begin no later than Feb. 20, 2025, all work completed no later than May 20, 2025, property to remain unoccupied and secured during the work. City staff will return no later than the commission’s meeting following the completion date (likely June) with progress or next steps if action has not been completed.

Votes at a glance

- Motion: Declare structure at 605 North Arthur substandard. Mover: Samir Mohammed. Second: Danny Cross. Vote: unanimous (5–0). - Motion: Require repair, removal or demolition within 90 days; demolition to begin by Feb. 20, 2025, and be completed by May 20, 2025; property remain secured. Mover: not specified in record. Second: Danny Cross. Vote: unanimous (5–0).

Remaining items: staff will provide progress reports to the Building Standards Commission; if the owner does not comply the city will pursue demolition and file a lien for costs.