Fire damage was a common thread among cases the Fort Worth Building Standards Commission tackled at its Oct. 27 monthly meeting.
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The commission considers whether properties, buildings and other structures comply with the city code and can order a property owner to comply with applicable laws and ordinances.
Here’s a summary of what happened at the commission’s meeting:
New member sworn in
Stephanie Cardona of the city staff swore in Janet Lane to the commission representing District 2. Chairman Brian Black swore in all those who’d signed up to speak, as well as the interpreter, Judith Scott.
New residential cases
3433 Avenue M, case HS-25-0104. This case started June 20, and the property was last inspected Oct. 14, the city staff told the commission. The owner was not present.
Problems: dilapidated wood, broken support columns, biological growth and exposed wiring and outlets. The structure is substandard and hazardous, the staff said.
Commissioner Stephanie Dike made a motion that property be brought up to code or demolished within 30 days, seconded by Commissioner James Walker. The motion passed unanimously.
7301 Moon Ridge Court, case HS-25-0109. Code officer Franklin Young spoke for the city. The case initiated March 21, and the city performed an inspection with owner’s consent on Oct. 10. Property is vacant and secure. Two fires occurred here. Issues: broken windows, charred interior walls, shifted foundation, debris inside. A representative of the owner told the commission that the property could be gutted and fully remodeled. But considering the projected costs, the owner wishes to sell as is and is requesting 90 days to find a buyer. The representative said the owner is willing to do what’s necessary to secure the property and be in compliance prior to selling.
Commissioner Melondy Doddy moved to give the owner 30 days to bring the property up to code or demolish. The motion passed unanimously.
1421 South Freeway, case HS-25-111. The case initiated July 3, and the city inspected the property Oct. 8 with the owner present. The foundation is shifting, columns are worn and partially detached, and stains on the ceiling indicate water damage. The current owner told commissioners she sold the home the prior week. The current owner’s Realtor told commissioners the new owner intends to demolish and rebuild. Dike moved to give the owner 60 days to comply. The motion passed unanimously.
4409 Wilhelm St., case HS-25-112. A fire occurred Aug. 5, and this case was initiated Aug. 6. The city inspected the property Oct. 14 with the owner’s consent. Shingles, decking and roof rafters all have smoke and fire damage, and windows are broken with chards remaining, the staff told commissioners. The owner was recently admitted to a hospital, delaying his process of securing a loan. The owner expects to learn the week of Nov. 3 whether a loan will be approved. If it doesn’t get approved, the owner plans to tear down the structure. The commission approved an order to repair or demolish within 90 days.
235 Retta St., case HS-25-121. The case was opened June 13, and the city inspected the property Oct. 6 with the owner present. The siding has rotted, the roof is severely damaged and covered with a tarp, windows are broken or boarded up, and the plumbing is compromised, the staff told commissioners. The owners are both deceased. Their daughter spoke and presented a petition for condemnation that she was served by the Texas Department of Transportation. TxDOT will hold an eminent domain hearing Nov. 10. After the hearing, TxDOT will be responsible for demolishing the structure. Doddy moved to allow 60 days to handle the matter. The motion passed.
Amendment case-commercial civil penalty
4328 Wichita St., case ACP-25-73. An attorney for the owner told commissioners her client is 85 and has been doing most of the work on the property himself. She requested the $4,400 penalty be dismissed and extra time be extended to complete the work, which is 90% done. The city staff was unopposed.
Doddy moved to remove the civil penalty. The motion passed. Doddy moved for an order to give 90 days to repair or demolish. The motion passed.
Lisa Gayle Markham is a member of the Fort Worth Report’s Documenters crew.
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