439 East 1st - Code Enforcement's Sneaky "Emergency" Demolition

[mbwright]

24K seems pretty high for a porch demo/stabilization.  I'm no expert, but you don't use a sledgehammer to hammer a tack without collateral damage.

[strider]

I just got told that per the permit to demolish the house that was pulled today, the total cost was $50,000.00.  If this was not an emergency, as evidence by the COA issues, then the permit needed to be obtained prior to the demolition and as it is over $2,500.00, how do they get around the Notice of Commencement laws?

[vicupstate]

I just got told that per the permit to demolish the house that was pulled today, the total cost was $50,000.00.  If this was not an emergency, as evidence by the COA issues, then the permit needed to be obtained prior to the demolition and as it is over $2,500.00, how do they get around the Notice of Commencement laws?

I don't think the rules apply to this crowd.

[JaxUnicorn]

I just got told that per the permit to demolish the house that was pulled today, the total cost was $50,000.00.  If this was not an emergency, as evidence by the COA issues, then the permit needed to be obtained prior to the demolition and as it is over $2,500.00, how do they get around the Notice of Commencement laws?

Strider, according to the demo permit pulled yesterday, the contractor was ONCE AGAIN Michael Lloyd Hauling and the cost of the job was $50,000.  I was also told by a member of the Environmental Quality Division the day of the demo (I called) that it was taken as an emergency.  They also did not wait the required 10 days after submitting the Asbestos Notification (hence the emergency??)

And to answer bobsim's question:  Yes, they used the excavator to remove the back porch.... 

[strider]

If they are justifying some of their actions by calling it an emergency then watch the money.  That 50K can't be federal funds in any way if it was declared an emergency.

[mbwright]

Because COJ has lots of extra money laying around to use for for these sorts of emergencies, that are of great risk to the entire county.  (enter snarky emoji here)  I'm obviously in the wrong business, if they can get 50K for a little cleanup.    Was there a permit and appropriate bid for the porch to begin with?  If I was a demo guy, I would be fighting these as unfair/favortism.  So much is wrong with this whole process.

[JaxUnicorn]

$50,000 would have gone a loooooong way in RESTORING this property.  Or heck, I could mothball 6 or 7 houses with that money!

City of Jacksonville Ordinance Code
Chapter 518, Jacksonville Property and Safety Maintenance Code
Part 1. - General Provisions
Subpart A. - Title and Scope

Sec. 518.102. - Legislative intent and findings.

(c)There is a need to create a mechanism to bring most abandoned properties into productivity. Abandoned properties constitute a burden on city's resources and a waste of valuable city's assets. The city has concluded that the rehabilitation of abandoned or neglected properties is an important city objective.

Really??  Could have fooled me...  Perhaps someone needs to inform Code Enforcement of this law.  This ordinance does not mention demolition...but rehabilitation.  Also notice that it is not specific to Historic structures; it includes ALL structures.

Chapter 518, Jacksonville Property and Safety Maintenance Code
Part 1. - General Provisions
Subpart A. - Title and Scope
Sec. 518.103. - Applicability.

(e)Notwithstanding any other provision in this Chapter, if a structure sought to be regulated is a landmark or contributing structure located in a historic district, such regulatory efforts shall be tailored to have the least intensive impact on the structure while still furthering the intent of this Chapter.

Least intensive impact certainly does not mean use an excavator to remove a back porch.  My interpretation of "least intensive impact" for this structure is carefully remove the back porch in a manner that does not damage the remaining structure, then stabilize the remaining structure.

City of Jacksonville Ordinance Code
Chapter 518, Jacksonville Property and Safety Maintenance Code
Part 1. - General Provisions
Subpart C. - Enforcement Authority

Sec. 518.121. - Enforcement Officer.

(a) It shall be the duty and responsibility of the Chief to enforce the provisions of this Chapter. The Chief is authorized to interpret this Chapter and to promulgate such rules in conformity to this Chapter as he deems necessary to implement the requirements and intent hereof, subject to the appeal process provided in Parts Two, Three and Four. The Chief is authorized to delegate to subordinate employees any authority and duty under this Chapter and such delegated employees shall have full authority to act in behalf of the Chief. All delegation of authority and duty shall be consistent with the qualifications required in the approved job descriptions of subordinates.

The Chief can interpret our laws in any way he or she wishes...to meet whatever agenda he or she may have...to DESTROY our historic structures.

Municipal Code Compliance forces citizens to abide by Chapter 518 of Jacksonville's ordinance code.  Sometimes they cause harm to citizens with their very subjective "interpretation" of violations.  Who forces Municipal Code Compliance to abide by Jacksonville's laws, including Chapter 518???

[mbwright]

What is the penalty for violating these laws?  Who should/does enforce them?

[JaxUnicorn]

What is the penalty for violating these laws?  Who should/does enforce them?

I wish I knew.... 

[Noone]

What is the penalty for violating these laws?  Who should/does enforce them?

I wish I knew.... 

2016-766?