Abatement board upholds order for 619 Diamond St., gives owner 90 days to finish work

The Abatement Appeals Board voted unanimously on Sept. 21 to uphold an order of abatement issued earlier this year for 619 Diamond Street and to give the property owner 90 days to complete work required to clear the notice of violation.

John Hynchon, Acting Senior Building Inspector for Code Enforcement, told the board the case (complaint 200840567) concerns removal of wall and ceiling finishes done without permit. Hynchon said prior permits issued in 2008 and renewed earlier this year had not received final inspection approval and a September revision permit remained in filing status and had not been issued or signed off. "Staff recommends to uphold the order of abatement and to impose assessment of costs," Hynchon said.

Homeowner Lindsey Chambers said she had a revision permit from 2009 that her contractor expects to finalize after completing construction and a mid‑point inspection for plumbing and electrical earlier in the year. "When this particular one that I've handed you is final then the NOVs would be cleared," Chambers said, adding her contractor expected to finish by Nov. 1.

Commissioners discussed whether the September application would fully address the violation; Hynchon replied it would not "completely." Commissioner Walker moved to adopt staff’s recommendation but allow the owner 90 days to complete the required work; the motion was seconded and carried by a unanimous roll call vote of the board.

The board’s action upholds the director’s order while giving the owner a defined compliance window. The staff will monitor permit finalization and inspections; the order remains in force and may carry assessments of cost if work is not completed within the extended period.