TO: Mayor and Members of City Council
THRU: Jodi Phelps, Assistant City Manager
Dr. Gerald Newton, AICP, Development Services Director
David Steinmetz, Development Services Assistant Director
FROM: Dereke D. Planter Jr., Code Enforcement Supervisor
DATE: May 26, 2026
RE:Title
Uninhabitable Structures: Demolition Recommendations
104 Fleishman Street - District 4
419 Hall Street - District 2
429 Chatham Street - District 2
1701 North Street - District 2
Title
end
end
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S):
Council District(s)
2,4
b
Relationship To Strategic Plan:
Goal 1: Safe & Secure Community
Goal 4: Desirable Place to Live, Work & Recreate
Executive Summary:
Staff requests Council approval to adopt demolition ordinances for four residential structures that have been determined to be dangerous.
Background:
104 FLEISHMAN ST PIN: 0419-20-9979
This residential structure was condemned as unsafe and unfit for human occupancy on September 24, 2025. During the inspection, the City Inspector determined that the dwelling posed a danger to the public and documented the need for extensive repairs, including repairs to windows, doors, roof sheathing, porch railings, walls, roof coverings and related materials, as well as protective treatment of exposed wood surfaces.
A public notice of the hearing was published in The Fayetteville Observer on February 8, 2026. The initial hearing was held on February 11, 2026, at which time the property owner was not present. A subsequent hearing was held on February 25, 2026, and the property owner again failed to appear. An order was issued on February 27, 2026, directing the owner to either repair the structure and bring it into full compliance with all applicable codes or demolish the building within 60 days. The notice also outlined financial assistance opportunities available through the City’s Economic & Community Development Department, including programs intended to help offset the cost of substantial repairs or demolition.
As of this date, there is no record of the property owner enrolling in the City’s Blight Removal Program or any other available assistance initiative. The structure remains condemned and has not been rehabilitated to meet minimum code requirements.
Within the past 24 months, there have been no reported emergency service calls associated with the property. The property has accumulated two documented code violations and remains in noncompliance. There is an outstanding balance of $364.88 in City assessments, and the property is currently subject to a foreclosure warning due to $9,288.53 in delinquent property taxes.
Under the City’s demolition evaluation matrix, the property has received a score of 65 points.
419 HALL ST PIN: 0437-61-2196
This residential structure was condemned as unsafe and unfit for human occupancy on July 8, 2025. During the inspection, the City Inspector determined that the building posed a danger to the public and documented the need for extensive repairs, including repairs to the porch structure, stairs and steps, walls, doors and frames, windowpanes, frames and sashes, roofing materials, flashing, trim, fascia, roof rafters, and sheathing.
The hearing was held on November 20, 2025, at which time the property owner was present. An order was issued on November 21, 2025, directing the owner to either repair the structure and bring it into full compliance with applicable codes or demolish the building within 120 days. The notice also outlined financial assistance opportunities available through the City’s Economic & Community Development Department, including programs intended to help offset the cost of substantial repairs or demolition.
As of this date, there is no record of the property owner enrolling in the City’s Blight Removal Program or any other available assistance initiative. The structure remains condemned and has not been rehabilitated to meet minimum code requirements. On March 13, 2026, the owner retained a handyman who successfully applied for and obtained the required permits to begin repairs. However, all repair activity has since ceased, and no inspections have been requested or completed to date.
Within the past 24 months, there have been no reported emergency service calls associated with the property. The site has accumulated nine documented code violations. There is an outstanding balance of $1,836.92 in City assessments, and there are currently no delinquent property taxes owed.
Under the City’s demolition evaluation matrix, the property has received a score of 66.5 points.
429 CHATHAM ST PIN: 0437-56-3989
This residential structure was formally condemned as unsafe and unfit for human occupancy on September 5, 2025. During the inspection, the City Inspector determined that the building posed a significant and ongoing danger to the public. The presence of multiple unhoused individuals in and around the property has further heightened public safety concerns. The structure requires substantial and immediate repairs, including but not limited to repairs to the walls, roof structure, roof sheathing, roofing materials and flashing, as well as the application of all necessary protective coatings.
In accordance with statutory notice requirements, a public notice of the hearing was published in The Fayetteville Observer on February 8, 2026. The hearing was held on February 25, 2026, at which time the property owner was present. An order was issued on February 27, 2026, directing the owner to either repair the structure and bring it into full compliance with applicable codes or demolish the building within 60 days. The notice also outlined financial assistance opportunities available through the City’s Economic & Community Development Department, including programs intended to help offset the cost of substantial repairs or demolition. On May 8, 2026, I spoke with one of the property owners, Mrs. Yvonne Ward, regarding the condition of the property. Mrs. Ward acknowledged that the property is in poor condition and stated that it should be demolished before someone is injured. She further advised that she is no longer willing to continue maintaining the property, as other family members have not been involved in its upkeep or management.
Mrs. Ward also expressed concern about the possibility of the property being lost through foreclosure due to outstanding property taxes.
As of this date, there is no record of the property owner enrolling in the City’s Blight Removal Program or any other available assistance initiative. The structure remains condemned and has not been rehabilitated to meet minimum code requirements.
Within the past 24 months, there have been no reported emergency service calls associated with the property. The site has accumulated nine documented code violations. There are currently no outstanding City assessments; however, the property has $4,059.61 in delinquent property taxes.
Under the City’s demolition evaluation matrix, the property has received a score of 66.5 points.
1701 NORTH ST PIN: 0438-64-2424
This residential structure was condemned as unsafe and unfit for human occupancy on April 25, 2025, due to fire-related damage. During the inspection, the City Inspector determined that the building posed a danger to the public and documented the need for extensive repairs, including repairs to floor framing and flooring, ceilings and ceiling joists, walls, doors and door frames, electrical wiring, switches, lights and devices, windows, window frames and sashes, roofing materials, rafters, and sheathing.
In accordance with statutory notice requirements, a public notice of the hearing was subsequently published in The Fayetteville Observer on January 11, 2026. The hearing was held on January 22, 2026, at which time the property owner was not present. An order was issued on January 27, 2026, directing the owner to either repair the structure and bring it into full compliance with applicable codes or demolish the building within 60 days. The notice also outlined financial assistance opportunities available through the City’s Economic & Community Development Department, including programs intended to help offset the cost of substantial repairs or demolition.
As of this date, there is no record of the property owner enrolling in the City’s Blight Removal Program or any other available assistance initiative. The structure remains condemned and has not been rehabilitated to meet minimum code requirements.
Within the past 24 months, there have been no reported emergency service calls associated with the property. The site has accumulated five documented code violations. There is currently an outstanding balance of $301.83 in City assessments, and the property has $1,130.91 in delinquent property taxes.
Under the City’s demolition evaluation matrix, the property has received a score of 90.5 points.
Issues/Analysis:
This substandard property contributes significantly to neighborhood blight and poses a risk to public safety. The condition of the structure is inconsistent with the City’s Strategic Operating Plan, specifically Goal 1, which prioritizes community safety and neighborhood quality.
Budget Impact:
The cost of demolitions will be determined through a competitive bidding process following adoption of the demolition ordinances. Additional costs associated with asbestos testing and abatement may also be required.
Options:
Adopt the ordinances and demolish the structures.
Abstain from any action and allow the structures to remain.
Defer any actions for a later date.
Recommended Action::Recommended Action
Staff recommends that Council adopt the ordinances authorizing demolition of these structures. Staff will continue to communicate with the property owner up to the scheduled demolition date, offering opportunities for voluntary compliance, self-demolition, or grant-supported abatement through the Community Development Department. If the property is brought into compliance prior to demolition, staff will return to Council with a rescission ordinance to remove the demolition order from the property record.
end
Attachments:
Aerial Maps
Violation Photos
Proposed Ordinances
Scoring Matrixes
PowerPoint Presentation