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Commissioners approve demolition of boarded Irms Mill Road house after residents report squatters and raw sewage
Summary
Greenbrier County officials voted unanimously to demolish a condemned structure at 1206/258 Irms Mill Road after planning staff described prolonged squatting, a failing septic system discharging into the yard, and neighbor reports of criminal activity and unbearable odor.
The Greenbrier County Commission voted unanimously to approve a petition to demolish a condemned property at 1206/258 Irms Mill Road following a staff presentation and public testimony.
Planning department staff told the commission the property was first the subject of complaints in November 2023 and was occupied by squatters; the septic system had failed and “was creating a muddy mess in the front yard,” the planner said. “Every time you flush the toilet, it come right out into the yard,” planning staff stated during the hearing.
Neighbors described years of crime and safety concerns around the property. “It was criminal activity after criminal activity,” a resident told commissioners, adding that law enforcement had removed fugitives and that a convicted felon had been at the site. Another resident said the smell made it impossible to sit outside.
Staff said the structure had been condemned and placarded, boarding was necessary because the owner could not be located or would not cooperate, and the parcel is currently subject to tax sale. The planner said the county lacked authority to permit septic remediation while an absent owner failed to engage.
Citing statutory authority in West Virginia Code 7-1-3KK that empowers county commissioners to abate public-health hazards and nuisances, Commissioner Richie Holiday moved to approve the demolition petition for parcel ID 9-17-17.1. The commission approved the motion by voice vote; the court reporter recorded the motion and the chair announced the vote as unanimous.
The commission did not record a detailed roll-call tally in the hearing transcript. Staff indicated the contractor will remove the structures down to ground level and disconnect utility hookups; trees or large plantings that can be preserved would remain. The hearing then moved on to the next agenda item.
Authorities cited in the hearing included West Virginia Code 7-1-3KK and the county property maintenance and condemnation procedures; the planner also referred to health-department limitations on septic permits in cases where owners are uncooperative.
Next steps: the county will proceed with demolition under the petition approved by the commission.
