Council upholds finding that 926 Court Street is dilapidated and approves demolition

The City of Muskogee council voted May 18 to uphold the Uniform Building Code of Appeals Boardfs determination that the house at 926 Court Street is dilapidated and to authorize demolition.

At a public hearing, city code staff presented comparative photos and a record of prior council deadlines tied to a remodel permit pulled in January 2025. Miss Wake, the staff presenter, told council the property —was dilapidated, becoming detrimental to the health, safety, and welfare of the public— and recommended upholding the appeals boardfs finding and approving demolition.

Council members noted the casefs long history: the appeal first came before council on Jan. 27, 2025, and council had allowed time for repairs under a staged schedule. A councilmember said the city was now 15 months past the earlier deadlines and moved to uphold the boardfs findings and proceed with demolition. The motion was seconded and approved by roll call.

The council closed the hearing after staff reported that no members of the public had signed up to speak on the item, and formal action followed in open session. Council did not specify a demolition date during the meeting; staff had recommended enforcement consistent with the boardfs findings.

The action marks a move from remediation to removal after staff reports and photographic evidence that the required repairs were not completed. The councilfs decision includes upholding the factual findings recorded by the building-code appeals process and authorizes the city to take demolition steps under that authority.