Demolition board to consider rule requiring owners to submit photos and timelines before hearings

Chair opened a broader procedural discussion after several cases were decided, saying the board has repeatedly asked owners to submit materials in advance and that the information provided this meeting was often insufficient.

"We have made it a point to inform the public and the property owners that come before this board to submit all their information, all their materials at least 1 week before the scheduled meeting," the chair said. He asked staff to bring a rule or agenda item for the next meeting so members can discuss making that requirement formal.

The clerk noted existing policy language and said proposed updates were already drafted for next month. He referenced a policy section on stay orders and the board's authority to terminate a stay, saying in part that "the board may terminate the stay" under the cited provision (policy section referenced in meeting: 15.3.0.15).

Board members said they favor consistent procedures to ensure fairness: several members said it is difficult to evaluate progress when owners do not provide photos, timelines or clear written updates in advance. One member observed that inconsistent documentation has led to decisions that feel unfair to owners who have made progress but failed to meet the board's procedural expectations.

What’s next: The board asked staff to place the procedural proposal and the drafted policy updates on next month’s agenda. The clerk said the policy changes will be presented for a vote at the next meeting and then routed through the safety service office and law department for finalization.