(PENSACOLA) --- An unsafe structure under construction without permits received a reprieve from officials at the recent Code Enforcement Authority Building Inspections meeting.
OpGov.News covered the 45-minute April 28 pickup, noting "a critical observation is the recurring issue of citizens either being unaware of permit requirements or failing to secure them prior to commencing significant work."
The platform's point of view is consistent, as seen in a residential code enforcement meeting where leniency was granted in January rather than fines.That same grace was given to 218 North Spring St., a structure deemed unsafe at the building code enforcement meeting.
(Photo: Code Enforcement Officer Jonathan Bilby at the April 28)
"We had an unsafe case," Building Code Enforcement Officer Jonathan Bilby said. "And then when we saw the work being done, that initiated this case."
The hearing was presided over by Special Magistrate Jason Owens, who was told by Bilby, "the work being done consisted of installation of sheetrock covering up the fire-damaged area."
(Photo: 218 North Spring St., structure deemed unsafe)
"This is just to represent what was being covered up and why we have the other case," Bilby said. "Some areas where materials have been torn out as well."
Bilby pointed to pictures to show just how unsafe it is.
(Photo: 218 North Spring St., structure deemed unsafe)
"This is the sheetrock that was going back up covering those areas," Bilby said before detailing how the violation warning went unanswered.
Building owner Pham Chi was accompanied by Keith Jerome Harvey, who spoke on his behalf at times due to language barriers. According to Harvey, who was contracted to work on the building, a city inspector personally informed them of the violations.
"We stopped right away," Harvey said. "You can have someone check in the house."
(Photo: 218 North Spring St., structure showing fire damage attempted to be covered by sheet rock)
As far as Harvey understood, he was only aware that a permit was needed for a new roof and rafters.
That was when Shelby Johnson, a general contractor, confirmed the same at the podium, noting he could apply for the permit.
(Photo: Building owner Pham Chi, Contractor Shelby Johnson, Laborer Jermoe Harvey at April 28 Building Code Enforcement meeting)
"I think after hearing from them, they're on the right track as far as getting the engineering and then getting a permit submitted by a contractor," Bilby said. "We've identified that we would give them until June 22."
"If we come down to that date and we are still not there, we can obviously come back to this hearing and discuss that matter," Bilby said.
Bilby confirmed that once the permit is attained for a new roof and rafters, that will take care of the "unsafe" violation.
(Photo: 218 North Spring St., structure showing fire damage, attempted to be covered by sheet rock)
Other building code violations that received leniency include 4306 North Davis Highway, which was cited for unpermitted construction, including the addition of a fence and electrical work. The case was also given a compliance date of June 22.
With no appearance by the owner, a property at 909 North Sixth Avenue was found in violation of unpermitted interior alterations and was given a compliance date of June 22.
(Photo: Building Code Enforcement Special Magistrate Jason Owens at the April 28 meeting)
Lastly, 1210 North Eighth Avenue was the only violation for an unsafe structure, which was fined $25 per day, imposed immediately on April 28.
0
0
Comments