The Unsafe Structures Board
Annual Report to City Commission
December 16, 2013
Page 2 of 3
THE UNSAFE STRUCTURES BOARD
ANNUAL REPORT TO CITY COMMISSION
December 16, 2013
The Unsafe Structures Board meets as required. The Board is called by the Building Official and is held in the City Commission Chambers. The Board is made up of eight (8) members consisting of an Engineer, an Architect, a General Contractor, an Attorney, a Plumbing Contractor, a Real Estate Appraiser, a Real Property Manager and a citizen with experience and background in social problems. A ninth member with an electrical contractor background remains vacant.
There were three (3) scheduled meetings held from October 2012 through September 2013.
PURPOSE OF COMMITTEE
The purpose of the Unsafe Structures Board is to hold public hearings to consider requests for appeals to the Building Official’s action of a Notice of Violation deeming a structure unsafe. The Board may modify, rescind, or uphold the decision of the Building Official as recited in the Notice of Violation.
During the past year, the Unsafe Structures Board has heard the following cases.
Case No. 13-00001 – 715 Foster Road
This was a commercial structure with retail spaces at front and rental units on the back with hanging materials all around, deteriorated structural roof elements, building partially destroyed and vegetation hanging from the roof. This building was deemed a fire hazard and represented a dangerous condition for the surrounding properties on January 30, 2013.
Board upheld the Building Official’s recommendation to demolish the structure. (It was demolished on August 20, 2013.)
Case No. 13-00002 -1055 SW 2nd Street
This is a one (1) story single family masonry structure with structural damage on the roof and deteriorated roof covering. This damage included roof
supporting framing, sheathing and fascia. Damaged blue tarp was installed and
all of the above conditions represented a fire, health and windstorm hazard and
posed a danger to the surrounding residents and properties.
Board upheld the Building Official’s recommendation to repair on April 16, 2013.
A permit was applied for by the contractor to correct the unsafe conditions. The permit was approved and the contractor was notified on December 6, 2013 to pick up the permit.
Case No. 13-00004 - 216 SW 2nd Avenue
This is a one (1) story detached addition and a utility shed constructed without permits or inspections of any type. This condition represented a fire, health and windstorm hazard and posed a danger to the surrounding residents and properties.
Board upheld the Building Official’s recommendation to repair on April 16, 2013.
No action has been taken by the owner to date. Staff is working with the City attorney to have accessory structure vacated and boarded up.
Case No. 13-00005 - 226 SE 10th Street
This is a one (1) story single family masonry structure with accumulation of debris around the house, roof damage on different places, unsanitary conditions, walls and floor deteriorated, property fence partially destroyed and stagnant water in the pool. This condition represented a fire, health and windstorm hazard and posed a danger to the surrounding residents and properties.
Board upheld the Building Official’s recommendation to repair on April 16, 2013.
No action has been taken by the owner to date. Staff is working with the bank who owns property to secure pool area. The structure is currently boarded up and the lot in being maintained by the bank.
Case No. 13-00007 - 403 N Dixie Highway
This is a two (2) story CBS building with 10 rental units in which four (4) of them (Unit numbers 1, 2, 5 and 6) were showing signs of second floor structural failure with visible floor/ceiling defects. This condition represented a dangerous condition for the occupants of these units.
Board upheld the Building Official’s recommendation to repair on July 9, 2013.
Structure is currently under active permit to correct the unsafe conditions.
Case No. 13-00008 - 811 NW 4th Terrace
This is a one (1) story duplex masonry structure with accumulation of debris around the house, structural roof damage and deteriorated roof covering. The damage included roof supporting framing, sheathing and fascia. All of the above conditions represented a fire, health, and windstorm hazard and posed a danger to the surrounding residents and properties.
Board upheld the Building Official’s recommendation to repair on July 9, 2013.
Structure is currently under active permit to correct the unsafe conditions.
Respectfully submitted,
Daniel L. Lavrich, P.E., Chairman