Evansville Building Commission affirms emergency vacates, imposes multiple $500 penalties and sets Nov. 21 progress returns

Ryan Schultz, the hearing officer for the Evansville City Building Commission, presided over an Aug. 29 evidentiary session in which inspectors presented testimony and exhibits for more than two dozen properties across the city.

The commission affirmed emergency vacate orders at two properties after inspectors described conditions that posed immediate safety risks. Inspector Allen told the commission that at 1000 Baker Avenue an upstairs unit had only "one outlet in the home works" and tenants were using "at least 12 extension cords plugged in end to end," creating "a very, very dangerous situation that could cause a fire." Based on the testimony and photos, the hearing officer found the structure to be an impaired condition and a fire hazard and affirmed the emergency vacate order.

At 6706 North Third Avenue, Allen reported that three of five units lacked electrical service and occupants were running extension cords from other units; Allen said units had been shut off at multiple previous dates and that a unit…