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Hammond sets multiple status dates, rescinds bond order for sold property and waives a late rental fee
Summary
At the Dec. 11 meeting the board rescinded a bond order for 7339 California Ave after staff said the property sold and costs were paid; the board set status dates for several code enforcement cases (including 4747 Baltimore and 2104 Sherman), approved findings for 5527 Beal and waived a late rental-registration fee for 6104/6106 Ray Avenue.
The Hammond Board of Public Works and Safety spent a major portion of its Dec. 11 meeting on code-enforcement hearings, property-status updates and rental-registration waivers.
Order rescinded: Staff reported that 7339 California Ave recently sold and the new owner has paid costs and requested bond release; the board approved rescinding the findings and order so the bond can be released.
Notices and status dates: Code staff described findings at several properties: - 4747 Baltimore: An interior inspection found a second-floor apartment did not meet International Residential Code minimums (ceiling height below 7 feet) and lacked permits; staff requested removal or conversion to non-habitable use. Owner representative Stephanie Rivera said the owner plans storage use and expects to complete work in two weeks; the board set a status hearing for Jan. 22, 2026. - 5527 Beal: Staff said the property manager attempted to register the home as a two-unit dwelling without permits; inspections showed stairwell and bedroom code issues and staff requested conversion to single-family; the board approved the finding and order. - 2104 Sherman: Staff reported rough electrical and plumbing inspections passed and estimated roughly 90 days to complete remaining work; the board set a status date for March 19, 2026. - 5629 Calumet: Inspections indicated ongoing rehab work; staff recommended a 30-day status to check window timelines and consider removing the property from the demolition list; the board set a Jan. 22, 2026 status date. - 1170 Sibley Street: Multiple rough and final mechanical inspections were completed; staff projected completion within 60 days and requested a 60-day status (Feb. 19, 2026), which the board approved.
Rental registrations: Owner Elias Rosales said he missed the rental-registration deadline while working out of town and asked for relief; the board voted to waive the late fee for 6104/6106 Ray Avenue.
Legal update: Kevin Smith, corporation counsel, updated the board on enforcement efforts, noting that property-registration enforcement continues and that a default judgment from a 2016 case recently produced a recovery (reported in the meeting as "about $6" in the transcript); he urged landlords to register to avoid escalating judgments.
Why it matters: The actions set clear timelines for property owners to correct code violations or return for status hearings; enforcement and bond-release actions affect property rehabilitation and neighborhood conditions.
Next steps: Staff will monitor compliance, confirm permit pulls and inspections, and return the items for the set status dates.
