Joplin Building Board of Appeals Meeting - February 28, 2025

The Joplin Building Board of Appeals met on February 28, 2025, at 15:15 UTC to review progress on multiple properties under dangerous building orders, hear reports from property owners, conduct two dangerous building hearings, and consider extensions for permits. The board processed over 20 agenda items, granting continuances for most properties and ordering demolition for two structures due to fire damage and severe deterioration.

Consent Calendar

• The board excused member Mr. Wickman on a motion by Mrs. Harrington, seconded by Mr. Duncan. Unanimous.
• The minutes of the previous February Board of Appeals meeting were approved on a motion by Mr. Windsor, seconded by Mrs. Harrington. Unanimous.

Discussion Items

• Item 3107 (2301 West 4th St): Owner Jan West presented a signed demolition contract with USA Demolition. The property was later subject to a dangerous building hearing. City building inspector Jeff Oliver testified to extensive fire damage, destroyed staircase, inoperable electrical and mechanical systems, and the owner's lack of corrective action. The board declared the building dangerous under multiple code subsections and ordered demolition including outbuildings.
• Item 3090 (512 West 20th St): Jason White of 1702 Hall LLC reported that weather delays affected progress on a sixplex, with completion expected by end of April. The board extended the item for 60 days to the April 25 meeting for progress review.
• Item 3084 (1828 West 4th St): Dennis Russell stated plumbing would be finished that week, siding was on and would be painted the next day, with framing and electrical inspections current. The board extended the item to March 28 for progress report and potential demolition hearing.
• Item 2990 (801-805 West First St): Owner Sean Grendel noted a contract with commercial real estate agent Luke Gibson; the property would be listed Monday. The board extended the item to March 28.
• Item 3103 (504 South McKinley): The owner reported cleaning up, new floors, new roof, with siding and windows arriving the next week. The board extended to March 28.
• Item 3054 (1624 West 4th St): The owner sought a permit extension after inspections on framing and plumbing passed and electrical work scheduled. The board extended the progress report to March 28 and the permit to June 27, 2025.
• Item 3002 (301 South Winfield): The owner reported weather delays, inspection pending for electrical rough-in before insulating and sheetrock. The board extended the progress report to March 28 and the permit to May 23, 2025.
• Item 3105 (1608 South Minnesota): The owner requested 60 days to finalize plans with an engineer regarding a drainage ditch and floodplain; the board extended to March 28 and requested the property be better secured. Missing dangerous building placard to be replaced.
• Item 3108 (519 North Pearl): New owner reported clearing out debris and planned remodeling; had not yet pulled permits. The board extended to March 28 and recommended a permit consult.
• Item 3106 (817 Chestnut Ave): Public hearing held. Inspector Oliver testified to severe dilapidation, open windows, missing stairway, inactive water service since April 2022, and lack of owner response. The board declared the building dangerous and ordered demolition including outbuildings.
• Items 3015 & 3016 (117 & 121 South Byers): Inspector Oliver reported progress stalled by weather; permits good until April 25. Continued to March 28.
• Item 3033 (1010 West Third St): Owner not present; inspector had discussed the expired permit with an owner. Continued to March 28, with possible referral to property maintenance codes.
• Item 3056 (217 South Pearl): Inspector reported electrician scheduled, window panes received; permit expired that day. Continued to March 28 with permit extended to April 25.
• Item 3072 (220 North Byers): Near completion, permit expired. Continued to March 28 with permit extended to April 25.
• Item 3085 (1616 South Pearl): Active permit; continued to March 28.
• Item 3091 (4020 South Main): Continued to March 28.
• Item 3102 (519 South Pitcher): Continued to March 28.
• Item 3104 (1909 West 15th St): Owner had not yet scheduled sheeting inspection; permit had been extended once. Continued to March 28.
• Item 3109 (908 East 17th St): Occupied by son of deceased owner, without water or electricity for years. City working with agencies to find alternative housing. Continued to March 28; demolition hearing expected next month.
• Item 3110 (719 South Roosevelt): Vacant; continued to March 28.
• Item 3111 (1501 East Hill): Owners pulled a permit over a year ago but stopped work months ago; property was reposted after being open. Continued to March 28.

Key Outcomes

• Demolition orders: Two properties were declared dangerous and ordered demolished: 2301 West 4th St (Item 3107) and 817 Chestnut Ave (Item 3106). Both motions passed unanimously.
• Continuances: All other items were continued to the March 28, 2025 meeting for progress reports or demolition hearings. Permit extensions were granted for 1624 West 4th St (to June 27), 301 South Winfield (to May 23), 217 South Pearl (to April 25), and 220 North Byers (to April 25).
• Policy note: Inspector Oliver mentioned a new property maintenance code enforcement initiative, which may address less severe violations before they reach the Building Board of Appeals. Details to be discussed after the meeting.
• Next meeting: Scheduled for March 28, 2025.