Fairhope staff report partially collapsed church building; city prepares demolition steps and possible special meeting

City code and building staff reported an urgent unsafe-condition at the Fairhope Church of Christ on Yonge Street after a roof collapse that has pushed exterior brick walls outward.

A staff presenter said the brick walls are leaning about 20% and that the building has been posted as a dangerous structure. The pastor (identified in the presentation as Reverend Cody) has been working with staff and indicated he may pursue a contractor, but staff warned the ownership and deed records are complex and they are still completing a title search and notifications required by ordinance.

"If those brick walls fall, it'd definitely kill somebody if they were in the wrong spot," the staff presenter said during the meeting, describing the safety risk and explaining that the city will proceed with the ordinance process while also soliciting contractor quotes. Staff said they have already received two quotes and are seeking a third; they asked the council whether staff should proceed or bring the matter back on short notice.

Staff said they might request a special called meeting, subject to agreement by the mayor and council president, to affix funds and authorize emergency demolition if private parties do not act quickly. The staff presenter emphasized the city does not want bureaucratic delay to impede an emergency safety response but also must follow the ordinance's notice and title-search requirements before abating private property.

Council members asked about potential liability to adjacent properties and clarified that the city cannot demolish private property without following the ordinance steps; staff said the property has been secured and taped off and that the adjacent parcels are far enough back not to be in immediate danger.