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: March 23, 2026
RE:Title
Approve Ordinance for Uninhabitable Structures: Demolition Recommendations
820 Ridge Road - District 3
Title
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COUNCIL DISTRICT(S):
Council District(s)
3
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 ordinance for one residential structure that has been determined to be dangerous.
Background:
820 RIDGE RD PIN: 0429-67-2261
This residential structure was condemned as unsafe and unfit for human occupancy on February 21, 2025, following a reported fire that caused significant damage to the property. Upon inspection, the City Inspector determined that the dwelling posed a danger to the public and documented the need for extensive repairs, including damage to the walls, doors and door frames, window glazing, panes, frames and sashes, roofing materials, flashing, trim and fascia, as well as the roof rafters and sheathing.
An initial hearing regarding the condition of the property was scheduled for December 11, 2025; however, certified mail service to the listed property owners was unsuccessful. In accordance with statutory notice requirements, a public notice of the hearing was published in The Fayetteville Observer on December 14, 2025. The hearing was held on December 30, 2025, at which time the property owner was not present. An order was issued on December 31, 2025, directing the owner to either repair the structure to bring into full compliance with applicable codes or demolish the building within 60 days. The notice provided to the owner also outlined financial assistance opportunities available through the City’s Economic & Community Development Department, including programs designed 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 assistance initiative. The structure remains condemned and has not been rehabilitated to meet minimum code requirements.
Within the past 24 months, there have been 33 reported emergency service calls associated with the property. The site has accumulated six documented code violations. There are currently no outstanding City assessments; however, the property has $1,529.32 in delinquent property taxes.
Under the City’s demolition evaluation matrix, the property has received a score of 83 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.
Adoption of the demolition ordinance would authorize the City to proceed with demolition of the structure
Budget Impact:
The cost of demolition will be determined through a competitive bidding process following adoption of the demolition ordinance. Additional costs associated with asbestos testing and abatement may also be required.
Options:
Adopt the ordinance and demolish the structure.
Abstain from any action and allow the structure to remain.
Defer any actions for a later date.
Recommended Action::Recommended Action
Staff recommends that Council adopt the ordinance authorizing demolition of this structure. 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.
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Attachments:
Aerial Map
Violation Photos
Proposed Ordinance
Scoring Matrix
PowerPoint Presentation