Building Trades Board gives owner time to pursue repairs for 437 Sheldon Street

The New Smyrna Beach Building Trades Board voted Oct. 23 to give the owner of 437 Sheldon Street until Jan. 22, 2026, to file for permits and pursue repairs rather than immediately ordering demolition.

Steve Woodworth, the city’s building official, told the board he inspected the property and found extensive exterior rot on the porch and some roof sagging but concluded that “if the property owner so wished, this property could be repaired to be habitable.” Woodworth told the board he had not entered the building but observed that the main structure behind the porch appeared sound and therefore feasible to rehabilitate.

Staff presented photos taken the day of the hearing and said the property owner, identified in the record as Adele Montague, had previously responded to notices but had not engaged recently. Staff described past nuisance abatement activity, including mowing and posting of notices, and reported that certified mail for the latest notice had been accepted by someone on the owner’s behalf.

During discussion, one board member moved to condemn and tear down the structure, saying the site presented hazards to neighbors. The chair and staff emphasized due process and the board’s procedural options; Assistant City Attorney guidance and staff recommendation shaped the eventual motion to grant time for repairs. On a roll-call vote the motion to accept staff’s recommendation carried with one member recorded as voting nay.

The board’s order requires the respondent to contact the code inspector to verify compliance with the order and explains appeal rights once the order is mailed. The case will return to the board on Jan. 22, 2026, unless the owner submits permits and work progresses before that date.