Columbus Consolidated Government
Referrals From Mayor and Council-01/13/2009
Subject Demolition Process
Description Have the staff to look at putting together some minimum
requirements in order. For a property owner to have an appeal heard, to
include a signed contract with a contractor licensed in the State of Georgia,
proof of the financial where withdrawal to accomplish the improvements, as well
a realistic, but aggressive timeline that they will agree to and be held
accountable to; and anything else that the staff thinks should be included.
(Request of Councilor Henderson)
The information that was provided by Ms. Teresa Tomlinson needs to come back to
the Council with a full presentation on it. (Request of Councilor Woodson)
Have the staff to look at working out some requirements whereby many of the
concerns can be taken care of prior to coming before this Council. (Request of
Councilor Davis)
Received From
Assigned To Rebecca Wiggins, Bill Duck, David Arrington
Please enter a date mm/dd/yy before any comments are added.
Response Staff is scheduled to meet on 1/21 with the Vacant Properties group
and will provide a full briefing to Council at the 3/31 work session. Staff
will also present specific recommendations on minimum requirements for delays
in demolitions.
Following are our suggestions for requirements for a project plan from those
who come to Council requesting additional time or other relief concerning
condemnation of their property:
1. proof of ownership of property, if necessary;
2. a signed contract with or a letter of intent from a licensed general
contractor for the scope of work to be done;
3. a signed contract with or a letter of intent from an architect/engineer,
which will include structural issues, if necessary;
4. proof of financial ability to accomplish repairs;
5. completed application to the Planning Department to rezone property for
its intended use, if necessary;
6. a realistic and aggressive time schedule for completion of repairs;
7. name, address, and phone number of person who will represent owner in his
absence, if necessary; and,
8. a demolition plan as an alternative.
Regarding Council's request that only property owners be allowed to ask for
extensions or other relief concerning demolition of their property, we have
that requirement already in place. The final letter sent to the owner by
Inspections and Codes states "Please note that if you plan to ask Council for
an extension, only you as the owner, your financial institution, your attorney,
any individual with your power of attorney, or a legal representative of an
estate including an administrator or executor, may be heard at first
reading." We made this change to our process several years ago at Council's
request. When Council chooses to entertain others, those who do not meet this
criteria, conditions can quickly deteriorate, causing confusion and needless
delays in the demolition process.
If Council will consider reverting to the process discussed, and hear only
those who meet the criteria they set forth; those who are not owners, or are
not a legal party in interest, do not have the authority or responsibility to
act on property that they do not own or legally represent. Keeping this in
mind will help keep the demolition procedure streamlined.
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