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Abilene board reinstates special exception allowing homeowner to return residence in light‑industrial zone
Summary
The Abilene Board of Adjustments voted unanimously to reinstate a special exception (case BA202605) for Jeremy Ford, allowing him to resume residential use and proceed with reconstruction; Ford described confusion over permits and the condemnation process but told the board he is "trying" to comply with requirements.
The Abilene Board of Adjustments unanimously approved case BA202605 on a motion to reinstate a special exception that allows property owner Jeremy Ford to resume residential use of a home located in a light‑industrial area and to proceed with reconstruction that would exceed 50% of the structure.
Claire Savvy, a planner for the city of Abilene, told the board that staff had reviewed the criteria and determined the grant would not place an undue burden on public facilities and could be in harmony with the ordinance. "The granting of the special exception will not place a burden of public facilities," Savvy said during her presentation.
Ford, who testified in the public hearing, told the board he bought the house intending to make it his home but missed the earlier 180‑day window to pull permits because of personal and logistical problems, including travel related to child custody and uncertainty about what work he could do while the property's status was being resolved. "I'm trying," Ford said several times as he described efforts to coordinate with code enforcement and contractors.
Staff and Ford both described that the structure has been considered unfit for human habitation in the condemnation process; staff said Ford must work with code enforcement to bring the building out of condemnation and obtain the main building permit. Ford described requests by the code enforcement officer for cost estimates for electrical, water, HVAC and architectural work as part of that process.
During board deliberations members noted the property’s long history as a residence and discussed whether approving the special exception would maintain stability of adjacent properties. One board member moved to approve the exception based on the staff findings and the standard approval criteria; the motion was seconded and carried on a roll call, with the Chair recording affirmative votes from Miss Donaway, Mister Raider, Miss Sparks and Miss Ritz Ritzy.
The board’s approval allows Ford to continue coordination with code enforcement and pursue the permits required to pull the property out of condemnation and complete the reconstruction. The board adjourned after taking the vote.
