Burke County commissioners voted 4-0 Monday to rescind an April 10, 2025 order to vacate a residential building and extend the compliance deadline to March 31, 2026, after county building staff presented evidence of substantial progress on renovations.

Kenneth Grant, Burke County chief building inspector, testified that his Nov. 12 inspection showed the first four units were "about 99% complete," with new 100-amp electrical service run to each unit, removal of unsafe wiring, new heating units and bathroom and kitchen fixtures. "Everything...has brought the first 4 units up to code," Grant said. He added that the county was waiting for power to be connected before residents could move back in and work could continue on the remaining units.

Kurt Abey, the general contractor on the project, told the board the contractor did not receive a building permit until Oct. 9 and that most work has occurred since that date. "If we could extend to March 31, that's probably more than enough time that we would need," Abey said, adding that his original goal of finishing by Christmas was unlikely because crews must first relocate residents into temporary housing and then complete the next units. Abey also raised the possibility of weather-related delays during winter.

Commissioners asked about alternative extension lengths, including whether a shorter deadline such as Dec. 31 would be sufficient, but members who spoke said the holidays and potential winter weather counseled for a longer period. One commissioner praised Abey and county staff for partnering with community members to keep families off the street and described the project as a "stepping stone" for households, including Marshallese residents, to move toward more stable housing.

Commissioner Berry moved to accept the inspection evidence as demonstrating reasonable progress toward compliance with the board's 04/10/2025 order, to vacate the prior order to vacate upon completion, and to extend the compliance deadline to March 31, 2026. The motion specified that upon completion and inspection the vacate order would be null and void and no additional hearings would be required. The board approved the motion 4-0.

The chair clarified that if the work is completed before March 31, 2026 and building officials confirm compliance, no further hearing would be necessary. The board adjourned after recording the vote.

Officials did not provide a detailed budget or timeline beyond the requested March 31, 2026 deadline; specific dates for power connection and full re-occupancy were not specified during the hearing.