Code board orders engineer assessment for Stennis Properties after staff cites foundation cracks

The Louisville Metro Code Enforcement Board on June 13 passed the case involving Stennis Properties at 337 Glendore Avenue to July 25 and asked the owner to provide an engineer’s report assessing needed structural repairs.

Hearing officer Chris Wonteland read citations presented by code enforcement staff that included a cleaning violation, an $800 penalty for failures first cited March 10, and structural deficiencies in the front porch and accessory garage. Attorney Joe Stennis, representing Stennis Properties, said his client received notices in January and had attempted to contact the inspector; he told the board that cold weather limited options to do structural work earlier in the year and that tenants occupy the property.

Wonteland and staff stressed the severity of visible foundation cracking and separation on the porch. County counsel recommended a continuance to allow the property owner to obtain an engineer’s report to document the scope and cost of restoration. The board said it would schedule a status hearing on July 25 and requested documentation demonstrating an inspection and a proposed remediation plan.

Joe Stennis said the owner intends to address the cited items but noted the potential cost of structural repairs; the board urged prompt action on simpler items such as removing alley dumping and debris while the ownership arranges structural work. The board’s direction was procedural: continue the case to July 25 for a status report and an engineer’s assessment, not an immediate monetary penalty so long as the owner shows progress.

The board did not order emergency repairs at the hearing; rather, it sought an expert report to inform a plan for compliance and possible further enforcement steps if the report or subsequent inspections show inadequate progress.