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Board orders demolition of large, unsafe treehouse at 1128 South Jackson
Summary
After hearing city evidence that the two‑level treehouse on a vacant lot was structurally unsafe, lacked required permits and created a public nuisance, the Joplin Building Board of Appeals declared the structure dangerous and ordered it demolished (detached garage excluded).
The Joplin Building Board of Appeals voted April 25 to declare a two‑level treehouse at 1128 South Jackson a dangerous structure and ordered it demolished. City representative Andrea Noblock presented staff evidence and called Chief Building Official Brian Wickland, who testified the structure was assembled from used materials, had loose components at risk of falling, contained unauthorized electrical tied to a neighboring house and does not meet accessory‑building zoning requirements.
“From the photos there are boards, other construction materials and house wrap — many of which have come loose in the wind or fallen and are in danger of continuing to fall off the structure,” Wickland said, describing visible deterioration and unsafe access ladders. Staff also introduced title work showing ownership irregularities and certified notices sent to a person who previously claimed possession.
Wickland told the board that the treehouse meets multiple dangerous‑building definitions in Joplin’s code — instability and collapse risk, inadequate maintenance and public nuisance — and that, because the lot lacks a principal structure, the treehouse could not be repaired to comply with zoning and building standards. Noblock entered the city’s legal notices and photographs into the record.
After hearing from staff, the board voted to declare the treehouse a dangerous building under Chapter 26 (articles 9 and 10, section 26‑6.12, subsections cited in staff’s motion) and ordered the treehouse removed. The board specified the order does not include the existing detached garage on the lot. The board accepted staff’s request to keep the record open for published notice and meeting minutes.
Next steps: the city will proceed with the demolition ordering process outlined in the ordinance and follow legal notice and lien procedures if the owner does not comply. The city’s presentation said trees that are dead and obstructive would be removed as part of the work, but live trees supporting the structure will be preserved where feasible.
Provenance: Topic introduced in testimony beginning with Brian Wickland’s evidence (SEG 2396–SEG 2660); board motion and vote in SEG 2706–SEG 2726.
