Owner of fire‑damaged home pulls demo permit; board continues unsafe‑building case 30 days for progress update

The Municipal Code Enforcement Board continued an unsafe‑building case Feb. 25 after the owner, William Black, reported he recently obtained an interior demolition permit and is pursuing repairs and possible county assistance to rebuild a house heavily damaged by fire.

Building inspector James Larson described the property’s extensive fire damage and said the city’s recommendation originally sought authorization to have the city enter and abate the structure if the owner failed to act. ‘‘For compliance be met, have a licensed contractor obtain and complete required permitting for any repairs necessary,’’ Larson told the board and asked that the board permit the city to enter and correct violations if needed.

Black said he pulled an interior demolition permit and is working with a county case manager about potential grant support to rebuild. Building official Kevin Garary clarified that an interior demo is only the first step: ‘‘The violation will still exist until everything is repaired…demolition is a step one having the demolition permit that will allow them to begin work.’’ Assistant building official Dana Root asked for a definite timeline because neighbors want to know when the property will be fixed; board members discussed 30‑ and 60‑day check‑ins and ultimately voted to continue the case to March 25, 2026 to allow the owner and city staff to show progress.

The board’s action preserves enforcement options (including liens and abatement) while allowing the owner time to pursue the demo work and any county assistance. The inspector will return with an updated recommendation and evidence of progress at the next meeting.