Pampa commission issues 30-day demolition orders for three substandard properties

The Pampa City Commission voted to issue 30-day demolition orders for three substandard structures after code enforcement staff described collapsing roofs, open windows and conditions that risk injury.

Jeff Kennedy, the city’s code enforcement officer, told the commission the property at 313 North Wells has been vacant for some time, lacks utilities and has floors ‘‘literally falling in’’; staff could not safely complete a full inspection because interior framing and floors were unstable, he said. Kennedy said certified letters to the owner, who was listed as living in Oklahoma, went unanswered and recommended condemnation to prevent harm.

Kennedy also recommended a demolition order for a property recorded as 510 North (transcript label varies), which he said was overgrown, repeatedly entered by trespassers and suffering roof collapse that left the structure unsafe. A family member speaking at the hearing said the house had belonged to a great-grandmother and that contact with heirs had been difficult.

On the third property, listed in the public hearing as 900 South Sumar, Kennedy said the city had monitored the parcel for about five years; the roof and structure were largely deteriorated, visible from a main thoroughfare and posed a blight and safety hazard.

For each property the commission opened a public hearing, heard Kennedy’s background report and then moved to issue 30-day demolition orders using the substandard building order numbers cited in staff paperwork. Commissioners approved the motions by voice vote; the minutes record commission assent but do not list individual roll-call tallies.

Next steps include the formal issuance of the demolition orders and any follow-up enforcement actions or appeals by owners. Staff told the commission that certified notice had been attempted for the properties and that the orders are aimed at removing immediate hazards to the public.