Fort Worth commission orders property owners to repair, demolish unsafe structures – Fort Worth Report

Fort Worth commission orders property owners to repair, demolish unsafe structures  Fort Worth Report

The Building Standards Commission met on Sept. 28 and made determinations for dozens of residential and commercial properties. The Fort Worth Building Standards Commission ordered owners of several properties with hazardous structures to repair or demolish them. Others received additional time after they showed progress or presented plans to bring their properties into compliance at a meeting Sept. 28. The Fort Worth Report Documenters program empowers people like you to help fill the gaps in reporting on Tarrant County public meetings. Find out how you can join here. One case involved a fire-damaged property at 4220 Frazier Ave., where the commission declared a house and two structures on the property as substandard and hazardous.

A city code officer said the structures had serious damage, including fire-compromised electrical systems, damaged roofs and walls, missing or broken windows, and extensive debris that could harbor pests. John Baxter, who owns the property with his wife, told commissioners he was trying to rebuild. His daughter, Vicky Moore, described the financial and logistical difficulties of completing the work. The commission voted 6-0 to give the Baxters 45 days to repair or demolish the three structures. The order allows the city to demolish the structures and place the costs against the property if the owner does not comply. The case illustrated a recurring issue throughout the