To: Mark Hafner, City Manager
From: Payne Randell, Building Official
Subject:
Title
PUBLIC HEARING: Consider an ordinance approving demolition of a substandard building at 1827 Highland Drive East, Lot 41, Highland Terrace Mobile Home Park.
Body
Action Requested:
Conduct a public hearing and consider approval of a resolution approving the demolition of the substandard building and removal of vehicles that could be dwellings.
Property Description:
1827 Highland Drive East, Lot 41, Highland Terrace Mobile Home Park.
Property Owner:
John Robert England Estate.
Current Zoning:
Single-Family Residential District (36,000 sq. ft. Minimum)
Background:
• On March 30, 2016, Code Enforcement opened a case for a vehicle parked on grass and high grass and weeds. It was discovered that the property owner is deceased. No estate beneficiaries are responsive.
• On April 11, 2016 a warning letter was sent for non-compliance.
• April 2016 through June 2018 Code Enforcement tried to work with the resident with no legal right to reside to bring the property into compliance. During that time there were 29 code inspections on the property.
• On June 7, 2018 two citations were issued for non-compliance.
• On August 3, 2018 eleven citations were issued and the Building Official was notified for violations under the following Articles out the Code of Ordinances.
1. Code of Ordinances: Chapter 4-Buildings: Article IV, Substandard Buildings, Sec. 4-400-Purpose-
2. Code of Ordinances: Chapter 4-Buildings: Article IV, Substandard Buildings, Sec. 4-410-Definitions-
3. Code of Ordinances: Chapter 8-Health and Sanitation: Article IV, Nuisances, Sec. 8-410, Nuisances Declared-
• On August 23, 2018 an Administrative Search Warrant was obtained to verify habitable conditions, but was unable to enter the main structure. We were able to inspect the outside property and the RVs. We found no running water to the outside faucet and illegal storage of construction material, illegally parked vehicles and trailers, trash piles that would attract rodents, and miscellaneous containers holding stagnated water with mosquito larva.
• On September 10, 2018 an Administrative Search Warrant was obtained. We were able to enter the property, the structures, and the RVs to determine if the property was habitable. We found no running water, no legal electricity (illegal connection was made). Public works was notified and there was no street damage found. Tri-County Electric was notified of the illegal connection, so that it could be properly disconnected.
• On October 29, 2018 an Entrance Warrant was obtained to post signs as stated in Code of Ordinances: Chapter 4-Buildings: Article IV, Substandard Buildings, Sec. 4-420. Notices and orders of the Building Official. (DO NOT ENTER UNSAFE TO OCCUPY)
• On November 30, 2018 an Entrance Warrant was obtained to post signs as stated in Code of Ordinances: Chapter 4-Buildings: Article IV, Substandard Buildings, Sec. 4-440. Notices and orders of the Building Official. (SUBSTANDARD BUILDING)
• During March 2016 - December 2018 the Keller Police Department have received 83 calls for service at the address.
Analysis:
After the warrants were served and inspections were complete the structures and RVs were found to be substandard and not livable, due to lack of running water, sanitary sewer, and electricity. The abandoned structures invite illegal residential occupancy and criminal activity.
Financial Impact:
Staff received three quotes for the demolition and removal of debris for the structure. The lowest proposal was for $7,000.