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Beaumont council orders demolition or 150-day work programs for dozens of dangerous structures after public hearing
Summary
Following a public hearing, council approved an ordinance authorizing demolition of 45 dangerous structures if owners do not comply; five properties were pulled from immediate demolition and offered 150-day work-program enrollment. Several property owners asked for more time, citing fire damage and insurance delays.
After a public hearing that drew property owners and residents, the Beaumont City Council on Tuesday approved an ordinance declaring multiple properties unsafe and ordering owners either to repair them under a work program or face demolition.
Staff initially presented 47 addresses under consideration; two were removed because postings were incorrect and council ultimately moved forward on a list of 45 structures. Several owners spoke at the hearing asking for additional time and describing progress: Nima Gollumdanchi said extensive termite damage and vandalism had been repaired and requested re-entry into a work program after permits expired, and other owners described house fires and insurance delays that had slowed restoration.
Council voted to remove five specific properties from immediate demolition so those owners may enroll in a 150-day work program. "They definitely need to get in contact with us, ASAP," staff said, noting demolition coordinator Silas Clutter has attempted owner outreach. Staff explained that for residential properties the city typically does not place a lien for demolition costs (the city absorbs costs), while commercial demolitions can be billed and liens attached.
City staff emphasized the public-safety rationale: code enforcement staff and the fire department cited repeated fires, unsecured buildings and trespassing risks in vacant properties downtown. Deputy building staff gave council a status update on the Gilbert Building — previously tagged and recently damaged by fire — saying structural work timelines had been updated to mid-May and that the council had set a March 11 deadline for a formal structural plan and timeline.
The ordinance gives owners 10 days to comply with a repair order; if they do not, staff requested authority to demolish without further council action. Council also retained the option to enroll compliant owners in the 150-day work program if they demonstrate a path to repair and payment of delinquent taxes or an agreed payment plan.
Council members repeatedly stressed safety and the need to secure vacant structures, and staff said they will follow up individually with owners and provide a status update at the March 11 meeting.
