Magistrate gives 120 days for repairs at 500 North 9th Street amid pending sale

Ron Brown, Special Magistrate for Code Enforcement, sustained multiple building-front and public-nuisance violations at 500 North 9th Street and ordered the property brought into compliance within 120 days.

Melissa Dryer, the presenting case officer, detailed a list of observed defects — missing and leaning porch columns, deteriorated paint affecting more than 10% of the visible surface, mold and mildew on steps and balustrades, loose hanging wires and a damaged section of porch roofing. Dryer told the magistrate she had contact with owner Lois Johnson and that the property is in the process of being sold; she recommended 120 days to allow the buyer/seller process to proceed and to permit necessary repairs, including permitted structural work.

Brown found due process satisfied by certified notice and site posting, accepted the testimony and photographs as substantial competent evidence, and ordered compliance by the end of business on Oct. 14, 2026. He authorized a $25-per-day fine per unresolved violation to begin Oct. 15, 2026. The order required the owner to secure permits where needed and to complete non-permit corrections within the compliance period.

The magistrate noted the purpose of fines is to secure compliance and reiterated that appeal rights exist for owners who wish to contest the order.