Weatherford commission orders demolition of dilapidated house at 1401 Hanover Street

The Building and Standards Commission of the City of Weatherford voted Wednesday to find the house at 1401 Hanover Street dilapidated and give the owner 60 days to demolish it, authorizing the city to demolish the structure and place a lien on the property if the work is not completed.

City code enforcement staff presented notices, photographs and the inspection/search-warrant report showing extensive deterioration inside and out, including missing decking and flooring, broken windows, holes allowing water and pests, and visible rot and mold. Staff said certified and regular mailings and a legal notice publication were used to serve the owner and that title records list Jamie Villalobos as the sole owner.

"Most of the floor in this room had been removed," the staff presenter said while describing interior photos and the inspection report. The presenter also told the commission that demolition permits typically "can be issued in less than 72 hours," if the owner obtains the necessary contractor insurance and paperwork.

Matias Villalobos, who identified himself as the son and representative of the property owner and gave his address as 2674 Ranger Highway, told the commission the family has begun tearing down parts of the structure and removed an accessory building but has struggled to secure a contractor and the required insurance. "We've been doing our best," he said, recounting attempts to reach multiple contractors and saying that nobody currently lives in the house.

Commissioners asked whether taxes were paid, whether anyone was living in the structure (staff said none observed), and whether the family could complete demolition within timeframes the board might impose. City staff explained the commission could order demolition within a set period (the default cited was 30 days), authorize the city to demolish if the owner fails to comply, and place a lien to recover costs.

Commission debate centered on how much time to give the owner. Several commissioners said the board has in past cases used 30, 60 or 90 days depending on circumstances and that, given the owner's stated efforts, 60 days was reasonable. A commissioner also suggested—but the commission ultimately removed—an early requirement that the property be fenced within 14 days; the commission left in place a requirement that any fencing or site safety measures be implemented once demolition work begins.

Commissioner (Committee member) moved that the commission find the property substandard, require demolition to be completed between March 26, 2025 and May 26, 2025, authorize the city to demolish the property and place a lien to recover costs if the owner does not complete the demolition, and ask that the property be properly secured when demolition commences. The motion was seconded and, the chair reported, passed unanimously; the transcript does not record individual roll-call votes.

The hearing was case BAS2025-O1, City of Weatherford v. Jamie Villalobos. City staff said copies of the draft order and supporting materials were provided to the commission and to the owner's representative at the hearing. The commission closed the public hearing and directed staff and the owner to follow up on permitting and next steps.

The commission adjourned after approving the order. City staff will monitor compliance; if the owner does not complete demolition within the 60-day period, the city is authorized to proceed with demolition and seek reimbursement by placing a lien on the property.