Owner given one year to repair or demolish dilapidated Carolina Beach Road house; council outlines city option to demolish and lien property

City staff presented a housing‑code enforcement case for 1964 Carolina Beach Road, reporting the dwelling is dilapidated and unfit for human habitation under Article 5, Chapter 16 of the city code. Chief code enforcement officer Brian Rener summarized inspection photos showing collapsed floors, extensive rot, water intrusion and a basement with standing water. Staff said the August 2024 administrative hearing issued a finding and order; the staff record used a 2024 tax assessment as the basis for the dilapidation calculation (staff reported an estimated 2024 building value of $51,400 and an estimated repair cost shown in the presentation of $888,504, yielding the finding of dilapidation at 173% of building value). Council members noted an updated 2025 valuation exists and asked that both figures be included in record presentations going forward.

Owner Charlotte Buckley, who said she is 72, described a lengthy recovery from an injury, said she has been caring for the property and that full repairs appear impossible due to cost. Buckley said she has two demolition bids ($30,000 and $35,000) and asked for additional time to secure funds. Council discussed options including the owner completing work, the city performing demolition and placing a lien, or allowing the owner more time. Staff noted about $17,000 in unpaid taxes (2016–2020 and 2022–2025) and a $5,500 citation on the property.

Council member Wadell moved to modify the ordinance to extend the compliance period from 90 days to 365 days; the motion passed unanimously. Council emphasized staff will work with the owner on options and that the city can proceed with demolition and attach a lien if necessary. No immediate city demolition was ordered at the meeting.

The action preserves owner time to pursue demolition or repair while documenting outstanding taxes and the enforcement citation in the record.