Joplin Building Board of Appeals Meeting - December 5, 2025

The Building Board of Appeals met on December 5, 2025, to conduct a dangerous building hearing and review progress on multiple properties. The board considered evidence, heard testimony from city officials and neighbors, and made decisions including demolition orders, emergency declarations, and continuances.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of the October 24, 2025 meeting. Motion carried unanimously.
• Excused members Denham and Windsor from the meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Harold Apple, current occupant of 403 West 19th Street, testified that interior repairs had been made, but acknowledged not obtaining permits. He requested time to relocate if ordered to vacate.

Discussion Items

• Item 3137 – 403 West 19th Street: The city presented evidence of severe dilapidation, multiple code violations, unsafe electrical and fire hazards, and a history of police calls (22 calls in two years) and a fire. Neighbors Jason Lieberman and Gary Gray testified to criminal activity, safety concerns, and property value loss. The board declared the building dangerous, an emergency, and ordered immediate demolition. Occupants were ordered to vacate and the property to be boarded and secured by noon.
• Item 3090 – 512 West 20th Street: Property owner Jason Wike reported progress on framing and plumbing inspections. A failed inspection was corrected. Board continued to January 23, 2026 for progress report.
• Item 3104 – 1909 West 15th Street: Antoine Peter reported footings poured and trusses ordered. Permit extension needed. Board continued to January 23, 2026 with permit extension as deemed necessary by building department.
• Item 3111 – 2408 West 4th Street: Owner through translator stated roof work underway. Board continued to January 23, 2026 for progress report, with requirement of significant progress and updated photos.
• Item 3117 – 1248 South Roosevelt Avenue: New owner Ryan Flanagan reported dumpster drop, preparing for work. Permit under review. Continued to January 23, 2026.
• Item 3121 – 714 East Hill Street: Owner reported main house demolished, working on converting garage. Continued to January 23, 2026.
• Item 3122 – 230 South Oak Avenue: Owner Jeff Cope reported slow progress, installed house wrap. Board continued to January 23, 2026 after discussion about owner's attitude.
• Item 3128 – 316 North Schifferdecker: Owner reported work on floor joists, footing poured. Permit expired; board extended permit for three months from December 5, 2025. Continued to January 23,2026.
• Item 3130 – 1624 South Jackson: Owner Valerie Vance secured property, but one window remains. Continued to January 23 ,2026.
• Item 3131 – 1112 South Jackson: Attorney Mark Perrin telephoned, reported plans to sell property. Board required boarding and painting per code. Continued to January 23 ,2026.
• Item 3132 – 2027 Nashville Street: No owner present. Board ordered demolition after hearing evidence of severe dilapidation. (See Key Outcomes)
• Item 3133 – 921 West 5th Street: Representative Jason Bright reported bank has secured property, planned to list for sale. Continued to January 23 ,2026 (4-0 vote , with one abstention initially then resolved).
• Item 3134 – 2705 South Virginia: Owner Ed Campbell reported broken windows from vagrants, plans to sell. Continued to January 23 ,2026.
• Item 3135 – 808 South Murphy: Trustee Drake reported possible ARPA grant application. Continued to January 23 ,2026.
• Item 3136 – 816 South Murphy: No owner present. Board ordered demolition after hearing evidence. (See Key Outcomes)
• Item 3138 – 1306 South Pearl: No response from owner. Continued to January 23 ,2026.
• Item 3139 – 1509 South Pitcher: Burned structure , no response. Continued to January 23 ,2026.
• Item 3140 – 2229 South Bird Avenue: Complaints , collapsed garage. Continued to January 23 ,2026.
• Item 3141 – 2402 South Alabama: Vagrant issues , pending new ownership. Continued to January 23 ,2026.
• Item 3110 – 719 South Roosevelt: Previously ordered demolished; a woman (Michelle Massey) claimed ownership via unrecorded deed and was still living there without utilities , borrowing electricity. Board continued to January 23 ,2026 for possible demolition hearing.
• Other Updates: Update on Murphy Boulevard (Van Story property) – need to secure fence and door; warned of possible return to agenda. Update on 2nd and Byers apartments – nearing final inspection. Update on J . Pearl demolition – dumpsters present , demolition permit issued.

Key Outcomes

• Item 3137 (403 W 19th): Declared dangerous building and public nuisance under multiple sections of code; declared an emergency; ordered vacated immediately , boarded and secured by noon; ordered demolished; costs to become a special tax bill.
• Item 3132 (2027 Nashville): Ordered demolished.
• Item 3136 (816 S Murphy): Ordered demolished.
• All other items (except those ordered demolished): Continued to January 23 ,2026 for progress report or potential demolition hearing. Specific conditions applied to some (e.g., permit extension for 316 N Schifferdecker for 3 months; requirement for significant progress and photos for 2408 W 4 th).
• The board also noted that the property at 403 W 19 th had 22 police calls in two years and a February 2025 fire.