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Clinton County commissioners authorize condemnation process for collapsing buildings on State Road 52
Summary
After viewing photos and hearing complaints about collapsed hog barns and debris on a State Road 52 property in Perry Township, commissioners voted 3-0 to cite the collapsing structures for condemnation and pursue removal and a tax-lien recovery if the owner does not act.
Planning and zoning staff showed commissioners photographs of a property on State Road 52 in Perry Township where multiple outbuildings and hog barns have deteriorated and several structures have collapsed.
Liz Stitzel told the board the site has been a recurring zoning problem for years and that standard zoning fines and small-claims court remedies historically have not produced timely results. "Because of the degree of collapse on some of these buildings, we also wanted to bring it to you to see if you were comfortable with a condemnation citation," Stitzel said, adding that the county could take bids to remove unsafe buildings and place a tax lien on the property to recover costs if owners do not respond.
A commissioner moved to proceed with condemnation of the collapsing buildings; another commissioner seconded the motion. The board approved the recommendation unanimously, 3-0. Stitzel noted the house on the property is not in a condition she would recommend condemning at this time and that staff will attempt to work with the owner before taking down habitable structures.
The board directed staff to issue condemnation citations for the collapsed outbuildings and, if necessary, solicit bids for removal and place a tax lien to cover costs. Commissioners said the approach is intended to produce a faster community remediation than extended small-claims litigation.
