Council upholds demolition finding for 909 West Okmulgee after fire‑marshal report
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Summary
Planning staff presented a fire‑marshal report describing structural collapse and risk to adjacent properties; the council voted to uphold the Uniform Building Code of Appeals Board finding that 909 W. Okmulgee is dilapidated and should be abated or demolished.
The City of Muskogee City Council voted to uphold the Uniform Building Code of Appeals Board’s finding that 909 West Okmulgee Avenue is dilapidated and poses a public‑safety hazard, following a staff presentation that included a fire‑marshal report describing severe structural failure from a July 29, 2025 fire.
Planning staff told the council the property caught fire in July 2025, investigators completed only an exterior exam because the structure was unsafe for entry, and the fire marshal’s written request recommended emergency abatement under the 2018 International Fire Code. Staff said the property’s interior had partially collapsed, the roof failed over a second‑story section, and combustible debris and abandoned vehicles impeded fire response.
Ernest Northley, the property owner, told the council he intends to rehabilitate the modern concrete/steel portion of the building and said he would secure the property, remove rubble and install fencing within weeks. He described personal health setbacks and said he planned to pull permits and rebuild portions of the property within six to 10 months.
Council members repeatedly cited past delays and the July 2025 fire that injured three firefighters. After closing the public hearing a council member moved to uphold the UBCAB finding; the motion carried by roll call.
The council recorded no follow‑up action beyond upholding the board’s findings in the public record; staff indicated the owner is responsible for demolition costs if the city proceeds and that a lien would be placed on the property if the city completed abatement.
