Code Enforcement Board orders vacate for unsafe Auburn Drive home, upholds fines and sets compliance dates across multiple cases

The Louisville Metro Code Enforcement Board heard its March 13 docket and issued a mix of continuances, fines and one immediate safety order, saying it would press for compliance rather than punishment where owners worked with inspectors.

Chair Chris Watland opened the session by outlining procedures for sworn testimony and decorum and urging cooperation: “I am not here to take your money. I want your compliance,” he said, adding that the board prefers owners bring properties into compliance rather than immediately seeking fines.

The most consequential ruling came in two related citations for 1907 Auburn Drive. Code enforcement supervisor Delykin Girdley told the board inspectors found persistent safety hazards — missing smoke detectors, structural defects, compromised heating equipment and unsafe wiring — after multiple visits. Appellants and their counsel submitted photographs and said repairs had been performed and documented, but the county said serious safety issues remained. Chair Watland granted the county’s motion to vacate the occupied unit for safety reasons, stating, “I grant that order to vacate.” The board also upheld one of the fines tied to that property and removed or pulled a separate $1,500 citation after review of the record.

The board handled dozens of other matters, largely by continuing hearings to allow more time for repairs or to secure legal representation where title is held by an LLC, trust or estate. Several recurring outcomes were common: - Short continuances and status checks (30–60 days) were granted when inspectors saw measurable progress and owners promised repairs. The typical next‑check dates set by the board were April 10 and May 8; one large demolition plan was set for a June 12 status review. - Where the property ownership was held in a trust or corporate entity, the board repeatedly advised that Kentucky law requires either the listed individual owner to appear or an attorney to represent the entity; several matters were continued so the proper representative could appear. - In one case, 219 21st Street, the board found that substantial cleanup had occurred but not all work was complete. The board upheld the citation but conditionally released $300 of the $600 fine because of visible progress; the appellant was told they may appeal the decision to district court.

Several cases were decided on nonappearance; the board upheld citations and fines where owners failed to appear after notice. Administrative business at the end of the docket included approval of a lien release and re‑docketing requests.

Board counsel and staff repeatedly advised owners that, if they believed the work was finished before the next hearing, they should call their assigned inspector and request a field re‑inspection; a successful inspection would typically remove the need to return to the board.

What’s next: The board set status dates for many matters (commonly April 10 and May 8) and instructed appellants who finish repairs to notify their inspector for a re‑inspection. The vacate order for 1907 Auburn Drive is an immediate enforcement action; the appellant and interested parties were informed of appeal pathways and next steps.