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Commission gives owner 90 days to contract sale or face demolition for long‑standing unsafe property
Summary
After extended review of a dangerous structure at 338 West 15th, the commission directed staff to solicit demolition bids but voted to give the owner 90 days to secure a sales contract or otherwise rehabilitate the house before demolition proceeds.
The commission revisited a long‑running code enforcement matter at 338 West 15th. Staff and fire officials described structural issues—previous fire damage, roof beams that need replacement and interior deterioration—that leave the house uninhabitable without substantial repairs. Code staff recommended authorization to solicit bids for demolition.
The property owner and an advocate asked the commission for more time and said materials had been purchased and some exterior work completed. The owner said he would “attempt to sell it” if given time. Commissioners and staff discussed alternatives including offering the building for city training use or encouraging a sale to a local home‑rehab contractor. The commission’s final vote directed staff to solicit demolition bids but granted the owner 90 days to produce a sales contract or demonstrate repair progress; if neither occurs staff may proceed to demolition and place a lien to recover the city's cost.
Staff estimated demolition costs in the $5,000–$10,000 range and said unpaid demolition charges would be recorded as a lien against the property if the city moves forward.
