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Board grants time for rehabilitation after fire damage at 1408 Southard Street
Summary
After staff reported interior fire, smoke and water damage at 1408 Southard St., the board voted Oct. 23 to allow 60 days for permits and rehabilitation efforts, with the case returning on Jan. 22, 2026 if no action is taken.
The board heard staff testimony that 1408 Southard Street suffered an interior fire and subsequent smoke and water damage but is secured and not an immediate hazard to the public. Staff recommended a 60-day period for the owner or a representative to obtain permits and begin rehabilitation.
Building official Steve Woodworth said the fire was contained to a breezeway or attached storage area, that doors and windows were intact and locked, and that while the home is not currently habitable it “does not pose a threat to passersby or the general public.” Staff noted no permits were on file and that a close friend of the elderly owner had indicated family members may have been squatting in the home and causing some of the damage.
Board members discussed the facts and again balanced the desire for expeditious action against due-process notice requirements. A motion was made to extend the same courtesy as in the earlier case; the motion passed on a roll-call vote and set the next hearing date to Jan. 22, 2026 unless permits are filed sooner.
