Coppell orders demolition of substandard home at 631 Stratford Lane, gives owners 60 days and $100/day penalty if they fail to act

The Coppell Building and Standards Commission voted unanimously Feb. 5 to issue an order directing the owners of 631 Stratford Lane to demolish a substandard, storm‑damaged house or complete required repairs within 60 days of the order; if the owners fail to comply the city may demolish the structure, assess abatement costs and levy civil penalties of $100 per day.

City staff presented a history of enforcement at the property, saying the home suffered burst pipes during the February 2021 winter storm, remained vacant and unrepaired, and failed to meet a commission‑issued repair order dated Oct. 2, 2025. Desiree Billerman told the commission the property lacks current permits, has outstanding municipal‑court citations and two city liens totaling “a little over $3,000” for previous abatement work. The municipal court balance related to the case was listed at $1,548.30.

Homeowners Solomon Ahmed and his wife spoke at the hearing. “Insurance has not provided us the funds to repair the house,” the homeowner said while describing ongoing disputes with an insurer and a recently filed lawsuit. The couple said they have paid mitigation contractors and are living in apartments while they await funds. The homeowner also said an insurance check sits uncashed “for a year and a half” because he is seeking sufficient funds to complete repairs.

Neighbors described repeated nuisance and safety concerns. Kim Greenberg, who lives nearby, said the vacant house has depressed valuations on the street and attracted trespassers; "Our street has gone down $300,000 at least," she said. Ruth Sine, another neighbor, told commissioners she had turned off the property’s water during the 2021 freeze to prevent further damage and described rodents, fallen trees and outdoor hazards that worry parents.

City counsel and staff clarified that municipal procedures—including lien filings, council approval for demolition funding and abatement warrants—would precede any city‑led demolition. Bob Hager, the city attorney, confirmed that the owners may still pursue repairs and that the commission’s order does not prevent the owner from working with staff to meet permit and engineering requirements. Hager also noted a petition filed on Jan. 23, 2026 against the insurer (State Farm, per the filing) that the commission received shortly before the meeting.

After deliberation the commission approved a motion directing demolition no later than 60 days from the order date, authorizing the city to proceed with demolition and assess costs if the owners fail to comply, and establishing a $100 per day civil penalty after the compliance window. Commissioners discussed the option of foregoing penalties if there is substantive, verifiable progress toward repairs; the commission asked staff to prepare a formal order reflecting the decision.

Next steps: staff will draft the formal order and coordinate with finance and municipal court to document liens, invoices and any required approvals for city abatement and contractor selection. The order permits the owners to come into compliance during the 60‑day period by submitting permits, engineering reports and passing inspections.