Metro Code Enforcement Board upholds citations, emphasizes compliance; sets status dates and conditional discharges

Chris Wetland, chair of the Metro Code Enforcement Board, presided over a packed docket on June 6 that resulted in a mix of upheld citations, continuances and conditional discharges as inspectors, property owners and representatives described repairs and outstanding violations.

"I'm not here to take your money. I'm here to get your compliance," Wetland told appellants as the board reviewed photos and testimony from code inspectors. Inspectors led by Lincoln Girdley presented evidence that multiple properties had longstanding exterior and interior code violations, including missing or deteriorated roofing and gutters, debris and outdoor storage, inoperable water service and life-safety concerns such as double-keyed deadbolts.

For 1726 South Second St., Unit 2, the board found conditions existed and upheld a $400 citation but granted a conditional discharge for one year provided there are no new incidents at the address. A similar outcome was reached for 1337 Third St., Unit 5, where the board upheld a $200 fine and conditionally discharged it for one year after inspectors reported partial compliance but limited access for some interior checks. For 3539 River Park Drive the board upheld a $900 penalty and conditionally discharged the fine for one year on the condition of no further offenses.

On the utilities issue at 2906 Fayedwood Way, the board heard confirmation from staff liaison Amy Goatley that Louisville Water Company reported the structure had no active water service as of June 2. The owner and board discussed tenant notice and eviction steps; the item was continued to July 11 for status updates and any proof of restored service.

Several cases were continued to allow owners time to complete or document repairs. The board granted a 30-day, one-time continuance in the probate-owned property at 3022 Virginia Ave. so counsel could appear; under Kentucky law the board indicated it cannot take testimony when an estate or trust owns property without counsel present. Fire-damaged property at 511 Saint Catherine St. was set for status on Sept. 5 as the owner works with insurance and contractors to complete exterior repairs.

In at least one case (9912 Eveningstar Dr.), the board split a $900 penalty, conditionally discharging $450 and upholding $450, explaining that conditional discharge is intended to give property owners an opportunity to cure violations while holding some financial consequence in reserve. For no-shows on the docket the board confirmed notice was sent and upheld the cited fines for defaulted attendance.

Board members and staff repeatedly directed owners to work with their assigned inspectors, to call 311 for bulky-item pickup (four items a week) and to present before/after photos to inspectors when repairs are complete. The board repeatedly emphasized that conditional discharges were contingent on continued progress and no new citations at the same address.

The meeting concluded with scheduling of follow-ups: the board set many status dates for July 11 and August 1 and asked staff to accept reinspection photos; it adjourned after a brief member update from Aaron Coe, who joined remotely from Baptist East Hospital.

What’s next: owners scheduled for status hearings should coordinate with assigned inspectors and submit evidence of repairs; items with conditional discharges will be monitored for one year for compliance.