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Ely suspends White Pine Motel business license after building condemned for safety hazards
Summary
Following an inspection that found structural and fire-safety hazards, the Ely City Council suspended the White Pine Motel business license and said the owner must complete repairs by permit and obtain a Certificate of Occupancy before reopening; owner estimated repairs exceed $200,000.
The Ely City Council on June 12 voted to suspend the White Pine Motel business license after a city inspection found structural damage, unsanitary conditions, obstructed ingress/egress and other safety hazards.
City Building Official Don Hendrickson said the sheriff's office responded to an incident that revealed a collapsed roof in a room, and his inspection identified multiple code violations. "This is a condemnation to repair it to a safe manner that people can safely stay in," Hendrickson told the council. The property was placed in condemnation status; the owner may repair the building, obtain the required permits and, after a successful inspection, receive a Certificate of Occupancy and reinstatement of the license.
Councilman Dennis Perea moved to suspend the White Pine Motel business license (Resolution 2025-04) for the listed deficiencies and to require reinstatement upon completion of repairs by a licensed contractor and issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy by the Building Official. The motion carried unanimously.
Owner Mark Moattar told the council guests had left and that he remained on site only to protect new appliances and equipment stored in motel rooms from theft; he said he expected repair estimates to exceed $200,000. The mayor and city attorney advised that, because the structure is condemned, the city could not authorize the owner to remain overnight for security. Sheriff Scott Henriod (listed on the city attendance as City Police Chief Scott Henriod) said his office will enforce the vacate order and will cite or arrest persons who remain after warnings.
Hendrickson said property owners have 60 days to obtain permits to start repairs and that permits for the scope of work could be issued for up to 180 days; he said staff would work with the owner on permit timelines. The council's action suspends the business license pending repair and reinspection; reinstatement is contingent on completion of work by licensed contractors and issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy.
