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Commissioners grant cleanup extensions in two unsafe-building cases
Summary
The board granted limited extensions for cleanup and abatement in two unsafe-building matters, setting a May 18 check-in for the Dickens property and a 90-day review (with a 30-day status update) for the Colin property.
Warren County commissioners on Monday agreed to extend compliance deadlines in two unsafe-building hearings, giving property owners more time to address violations at separate addresses.
At a hearing on the property associated with Dennis Dickens at 7734 East 3rd Street, a county staff member described multiple ordinance violations including vehicles in the right of way, a camper that appeared to be occupied, and an unpermitted hoop/coverall structure. Staff also said three children had been removed from the property months earlier by child services because of conditions on the premises. The county presented photos showing debris and apparent feces on exterior surfaces.
Dennis Dickens told the board he has been repairing the house after a wood-stove-related fire, said he has plumbing and water, and described steps he has taken to secure the roof and clear debris. He said he recently served a two-month jail sentence and was waiting for a dumpster to return so he could complete cleanup.
The board voted to extend the compliance deadline by 60 days and rescheduled a follow-up hearing for May 18, directing staff to look for measurable progress toward removing the camper, cleaning debris and either permitting or removing the hoop structure.
A second unsafe-building matter at 99 East 600 North involved a fire‑damaged modular home and repeated squatters, staff said. Animal-control officers had previously removed animals; staff reported the interior was burned out and the roof had caved in. A representative for the property owners said an eviction action was pending in court and asked the board for time to resolve tenant removal and cleanup.
Commissioners agreed to a 90-day extension for that property, with a 30-day email or letter update to staff on eviction progress and a further check-in at the next monthly meeting. No fines or demolition orders were announced at the session; the board framed both actions as time-limited opportunities for owners or their agents to correct hazards.
The board’s motions were voice votes; the clerk recorded the rescheduled dates and directed staff to send formal notices to the property owners.
What’s next: The Dickens matter returns to the board on May 18; the Colin property will receive a 30-day status update and remain on the board’s calendar for the 90-day review.
