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City posts unsafe-to-occupy notice for downtown building after inspections find structural concerns
Summary
City building inspectors posted a 24‑hour unsafe‑to‑occupy notice for the former State Farm building downtown after discovering an unresolved leaking sewer line and undermined foundations; affected business and residential occupants were notified and the building will remain closed until a structural engineer clears it.
City staff told the Monroe City Council on July 14 that inspectors issued a 24‑hour unsafe‑to‑occupy notice today for the former State Farm building in downtown Monroe after inspections uncovered a leaking sewer line and signs of undermined foundations.
Director Bailey said the building had been vacant for about two years and water service had been turned back on without permitted repairs or inspections. During inspection work related to sewer repairs staff discovered potential structural issues and asked the property owner to provide a structural-engineer evaluation; that report was not produced by the deadline and the building department posted a do‑not‑occupy notice.
Bailey said the notice affects commercial and possible residential units in the building’s upper floors; property and business owners have been notified and the city will not allow occupancy until a structural engineer certifies the building as safe. Bailey encouraged council members to review a local Herald article for additional context and offered to provide a link to staff materials.
Council did not take formal action on the notice during the meeting; staff said they will monitor the situation and report back when structural clearance is provided.
