Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Demolition topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Decatur Building Standards Commission approves demolition order for 2705 West Walnut
Summary
The Decatur Building Standards Commission voted unanimously to authorize the city to demolish a substandard structure at 2705 West Walnut after staff reported no corrective work despite repeated notices; the owner’s family says they will try to act before the city proceeds.
The Decatur Building Standards Commission voted unanimously to approve an order authorizing the city to demolish a substandard structure at 2705 West Walnut.
Staff member Denny told the commission the property had been the subject of a removal/demolition order issued Nov. 17, 2025, and that the owner had been notified multiple times but had not completed required repairs. "If a building is vacated not vacated, secured, repaired, removed or demolished or the occupants are not located within the time period ordered by the commission, the city may vacate, secure, remove or demolish the building and relocate the occupants at its own expense," Denny said, adding the property is not homesteaded and that all notifications had been made.
The commission heard that the owner has been hospitalized and that a brother contacted staff last week saying he would clean out the structure and begin demolition. Commissioners questioned whether the family should be given additional time. Commissioner Joe Gillespie noted the owner’s health could delay work and asked whether staff could allow the brother about 15 days to begin work before the city acts.
Denny and commissioners said the city had already mailed an initial letter on June 24 and subsequent notices through October and November, exceeding the 30-day notice window typically required. Denny told the commission staff would still provide the required notices after approving the demolition order; if the owner or family begins work before the city acts, that would be considered progress and could affect the city’s next steps.
Commissioner Sean Davey made the motion to approve the demolition order; Joe Gillespie seconded. The chair called the vote and declared the motion passed unanimously.
The approval gives the city authority to proceed with demolition after the required notice period and to recover costs via a lien on the property unless the owner completes the work first. Staff said they will continue to coordinate with the owner’s family and monitor any activity on the site.
