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Commission declares Norma Street house substandard, gives owner 60 days to repair or demolish
Summary
After hearing city testimony about roof breaches, leaning walls and exposed wiring, the Building Standards Commission declared a Norma Street property substandard and hazardous and ordered repair or demolition within 60 days; owner may request an amendment or appeal.
The Building Standards Commission declared the primary structure at HS26815104 (Norma Street) substandard and hazardous and ordered the owner to repair or demolish the structure within 60 days.
Officer William Lowry presented the city's inspection: the house was described as having roof breaches, missing shingles and decking, a rear exterior wall leaning inward, missing siding exposing the foundation, exposed electrical wiring and interior holes and debris that create vectors. Staff recommended a 30‑day order to repair or demolish; the owner, David Baer, told the commission he needs more time and requested 90 days to complete repairs given family and financial circumstances.
Commissioners considered the testimony and ultimately split the difference, moving and voting to order the owner to repair or demolish the property within 60 days. Chair noted the owner, lienholders and mortgagees of record have 60 days to request an amendment to the order and 30 days to appeal to Tarrant County District Court once the city mails the order.
The commission also warned that failure to comply could lead to a civil penalty hearing and that city staff could be authorized to enter and cause demolition and lien costs against the property if the owner does not act.
Timeline and evidence: officer testimony, timeline of notices and an administrative search warrant were provided in the city's structure inspection report; owner acknowledged the house had been in the family more than 50 years and said he planned to repair if given time.
Next steps: The owner may pursue the amendment process with evidence of progress; otherwise the city may schedule abatement or demolition and lien associated costs.
