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Burkburnett orders demolition or repair of two derelict properties; one owner given time to secure repairs
Summary
Commission found two properties substandard (309 North Ave C, 113 North Ave C) and gave owners 30 days to repair or face city-ordered demolition; a third property (521 West Third) was tabled so the owner can fire-secure the structure and attempt repairs.
The Burkburnett Board of Commissioners took action April 6 on a series of properties the city had classified as substandard and dangerous under Local Government Code §214.001 and chapter 150 of the city code.
Property B, a commercial building at 309 North Avenue C (lots 19''4, original town), was presented by code enforcement with photos and structure reports documenting ongoing deterioration. Staff said an owner had engaged counsel and filed a motion in district court but had not returned the property to a state of repair. Staff estimated demolition costs near $91,000 and requested authority to demolish and lien the property if the owner did not remedy the violations. The commission voted unanimously to find the structure substandard and ordered the owner to repair or remove the structure within 30 days; the motion authorizes the city to demolish the building and assess the cost as a lien if the work is not completed.
Property C, 113 North Avenue C (a house and two sheds), was reported as unsecured, with roof holes, broken windows and long-term neglect; staff said the recorded owner is believed deceased and tax foreclosure is underway. Council found these structures substandard and dangerous, ordered repairs or demolition within 30 days, and authorized city demolition and a lien on the property if owners do not act. The estimated demo cost for this property was $6,500.
Property A (521 West Third Street), an accessory structure in the rear of a residential lot, was also reviewed. Owner Marcus Brown addressed the commission, said he removed the roof in compliance with prior guidance and has secured doors but has not yet boarded all windows; Brown asked for more time citing limited funds and family responsibilities. Council discussed options and precedent for permitting time to fix substandard structures. Rather than issue a demolition order at this meeting, the board voted to table action on 521 West Third and directed staff to inspect and report back at the next meeting after the owner secures the structure and progresses toward repairs.
Council members emphasized that when ordered, city demolition costs will be assessed to the property as a lien and noted that owners had been notified by certified mail prior to the hearings.
