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Commissioners order demolition of substandard structure in floodway at Peachtree Road
Summary
County staff told commissioners a structure at 24.1 Peachtree Road sits in the floodway and lacks required engineered foundation and elevation documentation; the commission authorized demolition to remove a public-hazard risk to downstream properties.
Greenbrier County commissioners authorized demolition of a structure at 24.1 Peachtree Road after planning staff and floodplain officials said the building was constructed with substandard materials in a floodplain and part of the lot sits in the floodway.
Planning staff said the structure was first subject to stop-work orders in July 2021, condemned in May 2023, and remains out of compliance with floodplain and state building code. Staff described beam splices, sawmill lumber used in load-bearing positions, and the absence of engineered drawings or an elevation certificate that FEMA and the county require for new or substantially altered structures in the floodplain.
A county floodplain official explained that when a portion of a property lies in the floodway the stricter floodway rules apply and any rebuilt structure would need certified engineering, an elevation certificate and FEMA involvement. The official said that during a flood event a poorly supported structure “could become dislodged and potentially damage compliant structures downstream.”
After discussion, the chair moved to approve demolition of the structure; commissioners voted in favor. Staff and the chair clarified the property ID to ensure the record used the correct parcel number for the motion.
Next steps: the commission’s authorization allows staff to move forward with the demolition petition under the county’s code-enforcement process and to coordinate any required notifications with state or federal floodplain authorities as needed.
