The Abilene Board of Building Standards voted Nov. 5 to declare several properties public nuisances, ordering demolitions in some cases and repair timelines in others after inspectors described hazardous conditions, incomplete renovations and, in one case, a partial demolition halted by state asbestos regulators.

"The staff recommendation is to find that the property is a public nuisance and that it is is a hazard to the public health, safety, and welfare, and repair of the structure would be unreasonable," Ricky Wright, property maintenance inspector for the City of Abilene, told the board during the first case on Henson Street.

Why it matters: Board orders carry enforcement deadlines and run with the land; owners may appeal to district court within 30 days. For properties sold or under contract, the board typically reissues an order to give new owners a fresh compliance period, but staff said prior orders remain enforceable if no new order is issued.

Votes at a glance:
- Case 24-000756 (220/2226 Henson St.; owner: Donald A. Williams): Board declared the property a public nuisance and ordered the owner to demolish or appeal within 30 days. Motion by Mister Allred; second by Mister Wyatt. Vote: Wyatt—yes; Allred—yes; Turner—yes; Dugger—yes; Beard—yes. Outcome: approved.

- Cases 24-004628 & 24-005247 (3317 S. 1st St.; owner: RD Unity Properties LLC): Board declared the property a public nuisance and ordered demolition or appeal within 30 days. Staff reported a partial demolition that was stopped by the Texas Department of State Health Services for failure to comply with asbestos-abatement rules. Motion by Mister Turner; second by Mister Dugger. Vote: Wyatt—yes; Allred—yes; Turner—yes; Dugger—yes; Beard—yes. Outcome: approved. Board members discussed emergency demolition authority; staff said the city could proceed with emergency demolition under existing authority if required.

- Case 25-001320 (6118 S. 7th St.; owner: Duncan Contracting Services LLC): Board declared the property a public nuisance and ordered the owner to demolish or appeal within 30 days. Motion by Mister Dugger; second by Mister Turner. Vote: Wyatt—yes; Allred—yes; Turner—yes; Dugger—yes; Beard—yes. Outcome: approved.

- Case 25-002554 (833 Nelson Dr.; owner: James Matthews): Inspector reported the owner is deceased and the spouse is pursuing estimates; staff recommended and the board adopted an order to require a plan of action within 30 days (time frame and cost estimates), obtain permits, 60 days to obtain rough-in inspections and complete final inspections by permit expiration. Motion by Mister White; second by Mister Allred. Vote: Wyatt—yes; Allred—yes; Turner—yes; Dugger—yes; Beard—yes. Outcome: approved (repair order).

- Case 25-002556 (0825 Nelson Dr.; owner: Louis Masten): Staff recommended repair timelines after heirs filed an affidavit of heirship; Princess Masten, who identified herself as a daughter of the deceased owner, asked the board for time to complete title and repairs. The board ordered the repair timeline (30-day plan of action, 60 days to obtain rough inspections, final inspections by permit expiration). Motion by Mister Allred; second by Mister Wyatt. Vote: Wyatt—yes; Allred—yes; Turner—yes; Dugger—yes; Beard—yes. Outcome: approved (repair order).

- Case 25-003826 (1710 S. 17th St.; owner: Overbey Properties LLC): The property was recently sold; buyer Benton Overby said he had cleaned out debris and brought a written plan of action. Staff recommended a 30/60 repair schedule; the board approved that order. Motion by Mister Turner; second by Mister Dugger. Vote: Wyatt—yes; Allred—yes; Turner—yes; Dugger—yes; Beard—yes. Outcome: approved (repair order).

- Case 25-004195 (5120 Cuesta Dr.; owners: Kevin Ryan and Linda Lloyd): Staff reported the property is under contract; purchaser Aaron Chowning said he had entered the property into a rehabilitation program but asked that the 30/60 timeline begin when his contract is executed because title and unpaid taxes remain unresolved. After discussion, the board adopted the standard repair order (30-day plan of action, 60 days to obtain rough-in inspections, final inspections by permit expiration). Motion by Mister Dugger; second by Mister Turner. Vote: Wyatt—yes; Allred—yes; Turner—yes; Dugger—yes; Beard—yes. Outcome: approved (repair order).

What staff cited: Inspectors flagged hazardous electrical wiring, missing windows, interior dilapidation, incomplete or expired permits, unsecured structures and, in the 3317 S. 1st Street case, an incomplete demolition halted after a contractor failed to follow state asbestos-abatement requirements. Wright said contractors started demolition without completing required abatement or a wet-demolition method, prompting a stop-work order from the Texas Department of State Health Services.

Public comment and ownership issues: In multiple cases the owner was deceased or ownership was changing. At 0825 Nelson Drive, Princess Masten asked the board for time to complete heirship and repairs: "We are willing to do everything to get everything back in good standing," she said. At 5120 Cuesta Drive, purchaser Aaron Chowning said title issues and unpaid taxes remain and asked that timelines begin when his contract closes.

Board action and next steps: Orders require owners to either complete repairs according to an approved plan or to demolish, or to appeal to district court within 30 calendar days of notice. Staff told the board the city may secure, demolish and bill the owner (or otherwise pursue emergency measures) where legally allowed if owners do not comply.

The board concluded its agenda and adjourned.