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Owners say vagrants and zoning confusion stalled repairs at 742 N. 13th; board tables demolition decision
Summary
Staff recommended demolition of a heavily dilapidated property at 742 N. 13th Street and said repair was unreasonable because the lot is zoned heavy commercial; owners said they want to repair or sell but are blocked by rezoning and vagrant break-ins. The board voted to table the case to allow the owners to pursue a Board of Adjustments application.
City inspector Ricky Wright presented case 24-001274 for 742 North 13th Street and recommended the board find the property a public nuisance and order demolition, saying neighbors reported vagrant occupation, parts of the interior appeared partially burned, and the property lacks basic sanitation. Wright told the board an affidavit of condemnation was recorded April 24, 2024, previous attempts to secure a plan of action were incomplete, and the property is in a heavy commercial zone, which requires Board of Adjustments approval to continue residential use.
Several speakers, including someone who identified as John Diaz, responded that they had tried to pursue the Board of Adjustments process and that vagrant activity repeatedly thwarted repair efforts. One speaker described repeated break-ins and said the family was willing to repair but unsure how to navigate zoning and protect the home during repairs. "We're not trying to kick this can down the road... we try to keep the grass up… but it's unsafe," a resident said.
Staff explained that because the lot is zoned heavy commercial, the owner must obtain a spot determination or variance from the Board of Adjustments before permits for residential renovations can be issued; staff said prior opportunities to pursue that process were not completed. Board members discussed options including demolition, sale as commercial property, or allowing time for the owners to pursue BOA approval.
The board voted to table the matter to the next meeting and asked owners to engage planning staff and file for the Board of Adjustments. The motion to table carried (mover: Wyatt; second: Tankersley).
