Joplin Building Board of Appeals Meeting - January 24, 2025

The Joplin Building Board of Appeals met on January 24, 2025, to hear multiple cases involving dangerous buildings, progress reports, and requests for permit extensions. The board addressed 18 agenda items, including two dangerous building hearings (302 South Connor and 2722 Rawl) resulting in demolition orders, several property releases, and numerous continuances for properties under rehabilitation. Public testimony was heard regarding safety concerns from a neighborhood fire.

Consent Calendar

• The minutes from the previous meeting were approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Annabelle Lopez, a neighbor of 302 South Connor, expressed concern about safety and the nuisance posed by the fire-damaged structure, noting that another nearby house had also burned.

Discussion Items

• Item 2986 – 302 South Connor: Deputy Fire Marshal Adam Grimes testified that the fire was incendiary (human-set) with multiple points of origin, causing extensive structural damage. The assistant fire marshal recommended demolition, though the owner, Levi Babb, noted insurance suggested the first floor might be salvageable. Building Inspector Jeff Oliver recommended demolition due to economic infeasibility. The board ordered demolition of the main structure and attached apartment, excluding a detached garage and a concrete block building at the alley.
• Item 3002 – 3131 South Winfield: Owner Annabelle Lopez reported plumbing was finished but needed inspection before insulation. The board extended the permit to February 28, 2025, for a progress report.
• Item 3084 – 1828 West Ford: Owner Carol Westell reported framing and siding approvals obtained, with electrical and plumbing work upcoming. The board continued the item to February 28, 2025.
• Item 2990 – 801-805 West First Street: Owner Mr. Grindle updated that financing from RVST fell through, but he is pursuing sale to CHODO (Habitat for Humanity subsidiary) and an investor. The board extended the item to February 28, 2025.
• Item 3100 – 1404 East Hill Street: Property approved for demolition through the ORPA program; board released it from the agenda.
• Item 3107 – 2301 West Fourth Street: New item. Owner Jen West (father's property) reported a fire and plans to sell to neighbors or demolish. The board extended to February 28, 2025, with a warning that a demolition hearing may be set next month.
• Item 3104 – 1909 West 15th Street: Owner had not completed sheathing inspection; board extended to February 28, 2025, with a warning about potential permit revocation.
• Item 3098 – 910 East 7th Street: Owner demolished the structure without a permit. The board released the property due to demolition, but noted possible code enforcement for remaining debris.
• Item 3072 – 220 North Byers: Owner reported plumbing and electrical corrections underway; board extended to February 28, 2025.
• Item 3103 – 504 South McKinley: Potential buyer Nathan presented plans to rehab after a tree fell on the property. The board extended to February 28, 2025, for a progress report.
• Item 3054 – 1624 West Fourth Street: Owner Matt Smith reported siding complete, interior work starting. Board extended to February 28, 2025.
• Item 3091 – 4020 South Main: Owner reported electrician finishing soon, with drywall to follow. Board extended to February 28, 2025.
• Item 3102 – 519 South Pitcher: Owner (same as 3091) plans to rehab fire damage after completing 4020 South Main. Board extended to February 28, 2025.
• Items 3015 & 3016 – 117-121 South Byers: Owner Dalton Barwick reported new contractor, passed framing and mechanical inspections, but weather delayed sheetrock and concrete. Board granted a 90-day permit extension to end of March 2025 and continued to February 28, 2025.
• Item 3056 – 217 South Pearl: Owner Mr. Ruez reported slow progress from electrician; no inspections since July 2024. Board granted a 90-day extension (to April 25, 2025) and continued to February 28, 2025 for a progress report, warning of limited patience.
• Item 3101 – 2722 Rawl: Dangerous building hearing. Building Inspector Jeff Hadley testified that a tree had damaged the front porch and the structure was vacant with no utilities. Owner Allen Burt had previously promised repairs but only removed the tree. The board ordered demolition of the house and all outbuildings.
• Item 3033 – 1010 West Third Street: No progress or contact from owner Ledford Construction. Board continued to February 28, 2025.
• Item 3073 – 512 South Cox Avenue: Only final inspection remaining; board released the property.
• Item 3085 – 1616 South Pearl Avenue: Temporary electric passed, work visible. Board continued to February 28, 2025.
• Item 3090 – 512 West 20th Street: Permit in place but no contractor progress. Board continued to February 28, 2025.
• Item 3105 – 1608 South Minnesota Avenue: New item, vacant structure. Board continued to February 28, 2025.
• Item 3106 – 817 Chestnut: New item, fire damage. Board continued to February 28, 2025.
• Item 3108 – 519 North Pearl Avenue: New item, cleaning observed. Board continued to February 28, 2025.

Key Outcomes

• Demolition ordered: 302 South Connor (main structure and attached apartment, excluding detached garage and block building); 2722 Rawl (house and all outbuildings).
• Properties released from agenda: 1404 East Hill Street, 910 East 7th Street, 512 South Cox Avenue.
• Permit extensions granted: Multiple properties extended to February 28, 2025, with some receiving 90-day extensions (117-121 South Byers, 217 South Pearl).
• Next meeting: February 28, 2025, for progress reports and potential demolition hearings on most continued items.