Code Enforcement Commission schedules July 8 follow-ups on multiple properties; one cleared for rebuild

The Code Enforcement Commission on Monday reviewed a series of residential property cases and set July 8 as the date to revisit most files for progress reports, while closing one case that now has permits for a rebuild.

Miss Tori, a staff member who inspected multiple sites, told the commission that 1521 Fruitland Drive repeatedly returned to noncompliance with open storage, debris and a shed being used in a way that raised fire and habitation concerns. "We were called out by the police department…exterior is exactly kind of how you just read off," Miss Tori said, describing a cluttered exterior and interior pathways that increase the property—s fire load. She recommended cleanup and stricter attention to the shed, which she said is not a habitable structure under R1 zoning.

Occupant Will Clark, who identified himself at the meeting, said he had begun removing debris and that no one was living in the shed. "I've made some improvements. I've gotten rid of a lot of the debris," Clark said, adding that health issues had slowed his cleanup but that he had placed some items at the curb and given others away. The commission moved the Fruitland Drive case to July 8 for an update and emphasized that sleeping in the shed remains prohibited.

At 3612 Whitehead Avenue, new owner Rudy told the commission he bought the property "as is," has made roof and fascia repairs and cleaned interior rooms, and plans further work to make the house habitable for a family member. Staff will perform a reinspection; commissioners agreed to revisit the case July 8 to determine whether condemnation can be lifted or whether additional time is needed.

Christopher Hoover, appearing on behalf of family at another case, described ongoing exterior maintenance challenges at 6504, including multiple vehicles and yard debris; he said a caretaker visits periodically. Staff noted several vehicles appeared operable and registered. The commission directed staff to reinspect and report back on July 8.

The commission also discussed 3714 Sullivan Avenue, where staff reported expanding makeshift accessory structures and large amounts of stored items behind buildings that raise a life-safety fire load. Staff recommended bidding a full cleanup and obtaining access to inspect behind existing structures; commissioners asked staff to secure fuller access for inspection and to return with cleanup bids and a recommendation on July 8.

At 1200 Far Green Screen Drive, staff said the property is tied to out-of-state owners (identified in the file as Danielle Dunn and Cindy Maguire) who had not allowed a remote inspection; an in-person inspection with the owners' realtor (Aubrey Kelly) was scheduled. The commission kept the habitation prohibition in place while staff conducts the in-person check and will revisit the case in July.

For 626 Marboral Avenue staff reported a vacant, deteriorating structure with posted notices but difficulty contacting the owner; the commission opted to give staff one more 30-day period to attempt contact and to inspect structural soundness before considering demolition.

A demolition permit for 6925 Martha Avenue has been applied for but remains pending because the owners must obtain a sewer cap from the utility authority before demolition can proceed; staff will follow up. The only case closed at the meeting was 1306 Donna Lane, where the burned structure has been demolished and new permits filed for rebuilding.

All contested or active items were continued to the July 8 meeting for status updates and staff recommendations. The commission recorded routine votes to continue or close each case; the motions carried with the commissioners voting as recorded in the meeting transcript.

The commission encouraged owners and representatives to use available city resources, including a city dumpster rental option noted at the meeting (staff mentioned a rental fee of $250), to expedite exterior cleanup. Staff will provide reinspection reports and, where appropriate, present bids for contracted cleanup at the next meeting.