Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Unpermitted Building Jordan Street topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Hopkinsville code board finds Jordan Street property in violation, orders $400 fine and 45‑day cleanup plan
Summary
The board found a Jordan Street property operating as a salvage/storage use in an R‑3 residential district and determined the prebuilt building was constructed without a permit; it imposed a $400 fine plus a $200 administrative fee, ordered vehicle removal and directed the owner to work with city staff within 45 days.
The Hopkinsville City Code Ordinance Enforcement Board on Thursday found a Jordan Street property in violation of local zoning and building regulations after city inspectors determined a storage/salvage use and an unpermitted frame/prefabricated building were present in an R‑3 residential district.
Peter Wood, chief building inspector with Community Development Services, presented aerial photos and inspection timelines showing the building was not present in 2022 imagery but appears in 2025 images and that no building permit was on record. He told the board salvage‑yard uses require conditional approval and that storage/repair activity is not permitted in an R‑3 district when there is no primary residence associated with the structure.
John David Parker, who said he lives at 203 Jordan Street and is related to the property owner (Christina Parker), testified that a prefab building from American Steel was erected about a year ago and that he "misunderstood" permitting requirements. Parker said he has not yet hooked up power or water to the building and described the structure as partly living space and partly for vehicle parking.
After hearing testimony and closing the hearing, the board moved that the city had met its burden of proof that a violation occurred and approved the motion by voice vote. During deliberations members distinguished two remedies: require removal of vehicles and other storage uses and either pursue retroactive permitting to convert the structure to a legal residence (if feasible) or require removal if it cannot meet code.
The board voted to impose the maximum listed fine of $400 plus a $200 administrative fee, ordered removal of cars and other noncompliant storage from the property, and directed the owner to work with Community Development Services to develop a plan — including pursuing any required construction permits or demolition — within 45 days. The decision carries the option of further enforcement if the owner does not comply.
John David Parker told the board the building was placed by a vendor and that he believed paperwork was handled differently: "I had a company put it up, so I just misunderstood on that part of it probably too," he said. The board noted that retroactive permitting is sometimes possible but may require structural or foundation corrections to meet code.
The board also discussed alternative remedies including rezoning and working with the owners on a plan; members said rezoning was unlikely because the lot is surrounded by residences. The board instructed staff to follow up on the 45‑day schedule and return the matter to the board if required steps were not taken.
