Commission orders demolition of condemned 1314 Admore Drive, upholds repair order for 526 Julian Street

The Greensboro Minimum Housing Standards Commission on March 18 voted to uphold an inspector’s order to demolish a vacant, hazardous house at 1314 Admore Drive and to uphold an inspector’s order to repair a fire‑damaged property at 526 Julian Street.

City inspectors and staff presented video and photographic evidence showing extensive exterior and interior damage at 1314 Admore Drive. Inspector Matthew Peele and staff reported initial inspections beginning in 2025 and a spreadsheet estimate placing repair costs at roughly 66–67% of the property’s value, exceeding the commission’s 50% demolition threshold. Commissioners cited multiple minimum‑housing violations, the property’s unsecured condition, proximity to a school and the risk to neighboring properties in their findings.

A motion carried to adopt an ordinance to demolish 1314 Admore Drive, to allow staff to seek summary ejectment of any occupants of the condemned structure, and to petition Guilford County Superior Court to appoint a qualified receiver. The commission read findings that the property was dangerous, unfit for habitation, and that owners had been afforded due process under the law.

For 526 Julian Street, Inspector Brian Scarfino described significant interior damage following a vehicle‑related fire and noted the owner had indicated intentions to repair but had not yet started work. The inspector reported an estimated repair cost of about 48.8% of the property value, placing the case below the demolition threshold. The commission voted to uphold the inspector’s order to repair and read findings that the property posed health and safety risks and must be brought into compliance.

Both actions passed by unanimous votes recorded in the meeting transcript. Staff noted the city had previously contracted exterior cleanups on some nuisance properties (the record includes an example payment of about $4,000 for exterior work at a problem property) and that if owners fail to comply the city can pursue abatement and cost recovery or seek court remedies.

What’s next: staff will execute the orders consistent with the commission’s findings, including securing the condemned structure, pursuing summary ejectment if needed, and monitoring repair timelines for properties ordered to repair.

(Reporting note: findings language and repair-cost percentages were read into the record by staff and inspectors during the March 18 hearing.)