DeSoto board orders demolition of fire‑damaged house at 1124 Canyon Ridge, gives owner 30 days

The City of DeSoto Building and Standards Commission on Nov. 13 ordered demolition of the fire‑damaged structure at 1124 Canyon Ridge Drive, finding the property substandard and a hazard to public health and safety.

Ahmed Alkasy, the city’s director of development services, told the commission that code inspections on Aug. 15, 2025 confirmed extensive fire damage from a Dec. 17, 2024 blaze and that the structure is unsecured and at risk of collapse. Alkasy said staff presented photographic evidence and a code violation inventory and recommended a three‑part remediation: secure the property immediately; obtain necessary permits; and remove (demolish) the building within 30 days. Alkasy also said staff recommended placing a lien on the property to recover demolition costs if the city has to abate the structure.

James Martin, who described himself as the estate representative, testified that the property remains in probate with a court date set for Jan. 5, 2026 and said he lacks legal authority to demolish the house before the probate is resolved. Residents who live near the property told the commission the structure has been a blight since the fatal fire, that debris and personal effects remain exposed, and that neighbors are experiencing emotional distress and, they said, falling property values.

Assistant City Attorney Smith read a draft order that found notice was properly given, concluded the property is substandard under Article 3.8 and the IPMC, and directed the owner or any subsequent purchaser to demolish the structure within 30 days. The order further authorized the city to secure the property or disconnect utilities if the owner fails to act within three days, to abate the violation by demolition without further notice thereafter, and to attach costs as a lien to the property.

Commissioners amended the draft to explicitly require removal of all debris and personal property and then voted to adopt the findings and order as amended. The commission did not record an individual roll‑call but approved the motion by a showing of hands.

If the city executes the demolition, staff said it would attempt to recover costs by placing a lien that would remain with the property; if the estate later transfers ownership, the lien would attach to the property and could be satisfied by the new owner or at sale.

Next steps: the owner has 30 days from the order to secure the property, obtain permits and demolish; if not, the city may abate the structure and record a lien for costs. The probate hearing for the estate is set for Jan. 5, 2026, according to testimony.