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Council adopts ordinance ordering abatement of public‑health nuisance at 2355 Buchanan Street
Summary
After a public hearing, the Beaumont City Council approved an ordinance ratifying the public-health director’s determination that standing sewage and other conditions at 2355 Buchanan Street constitute a public-health nuisance and ordered the owner to abate within 10 days; if not, staff is authorized to abate and place a lien.
The Beaumont City Council voted Tuesday to adopt an ordinance ratifying a public‑health determination that the property at 2355 Buchanan Street (Pinecrest, Lot 6, Tract 1, Block 120) is a public‑health nuisance and to order abatement within 10 days.
Mary Alexander of the city’s public‑health department briefed council on the case: environmental staff received notice April 23 and inspector Justin Jackson inspected and declared a general nuisance the same day because of standing, stagnant sewer water. Follow-up inspections on May 11, May 15 and a recent inspection showed no improvement, Alexander said. The city notified the owner on May 4 that the property would be brought before council.
Assistant city officials and the city attorney explained the process: once council declares a property a public nuisance the owner receives a notice to abate (commonly a 10‑day cure period). If the owner does not abate or respond, staff may seek a civil action and, with court authorization, the city may enter the property to abate, file for judgment, and place a lien on the property for abatement costs.
Council heard that staff had recently made contact with the owner, who reported a plumbing contractor scheduled to begin work on May 21. Several council members urged staff to allow the contractor time to begin repairs before pursuing litigation. Staff said they would not immediately file suit if evidence shows repairs have started, but the ordinance gives administrative authority to proceed if the property owner remains nonresponsive.
Council voted in favor of the ordinance by voice; the clerk recorded the motion as carried. The ordinance directs the owner to abate nuisances within 10 days and authorizes staff to abate and recover costs if the owner fails to act.
Next steps: health‑department staff will monitor the owner’s corrective actions; if the owner does not begin abatement in the 10‑day window staff will pursue abatement and seek cost recovery through the courts.
