Decatur commission finds 705 West Walnut "substandard," orders repair or removal within 30 days

The Decatur Building Standards Commission unanimously determined at its meeting that the building identified as Structure B at 705 West Walnut is substandard and must be repaired or removed within 30 days of notification. Staff presented photographs and case exhibits showing roof holes, boarded windows and unsecured entries and said the structure posed risks to public health and safety.

Denny, the staff presenter, reviewed the administrative record and notices, saying the city mailed an initial notice on 06/24/2025, obtained a Wise County tax certificate on 11/07/2025, and posted the property on 10/30/2025. He identified the property owner as Linda Hurley of Hurley Investments and said the city attempted telephone contact before bringing the case to the commission. "That is Linda Hurley," he said when asked to confirm the owner's identity.

Commissioners agreed to narrowly define the subject as "Structure B," the dilapidated unit that abuts Main Street, so that any order would not apply to an occupied unit on the same parcel. After a formal finding that the building meets the substandard criteria in the city code, the commission voted to require repair or removal within 30 days. Denny moved the 30-day compliance motion; a commissioner seconded it and the motion passed unanimously. "I'll make a motion that we go with option 1, within 30 days of notification," Denny said before the vote.

Under the ordinance, the commission noted staff may allow longer timeframes only if the owner establishes a detailed schedule and demonstrates that work cannot reasonably be completed within 30 days. Commissioners discussed prior cases in which they have allowed up to 90 days but noted the owner did not appear at this hearing and the commission chose the shorter timeframe for this case.

Staff said it will notify the owner by certified and regular mail, post the property, and call her to explain the decision and start the compliance clock from the date notification is effected. If the owner does not comply within the ordered period, the commission may consider further action at a later meeting, including ordering repair at the owner's expense as allowed by the City of Decatur Code of Ordinances, Section 10-101 and related sections.

The commission closed the item and will monitor compliance; follow-up will be scheduled based on when notification is completed.