Joplin Board of Appeals Meeting - March 27, 2026
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Joplin Board of Appeals Meeting - March 27, 2026
The Joplin Board of Appeals met on March 27, 2026, to review progress on numerous properties cited as dangerous or dilapidated. The board addressed 21 agenda items, including one formal demolition hearing. Most properties were continued to the next meeting for progress reports or potential demolition hearings, while two properties were released from the agenda.
Consent Calendar
- The board unanimously approved the minutes from the February 27, 2026 meeting.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Christopher Finkley (property owner, 723 S Roosevelt): Appeared after his property was discussed. He reported purchasing the property two months ago, performing demolition, and applying for a permit. He estimated seven months for full renovation due to structural work. He committed to providing monthly updates.
- Jason Bright (attorney for 921 W 5th St): Called in to report a cash offer from a local investor/rehabber. He requested a 30-day extension to close the sale, after which the new owner would address violations. The board continued the item.
Discussion Items
- 3104 1909 W 15th St: Owner reported siding installed, electrical work underway. Property on agenda for over a year. Continued to April 24 for progress report or demolition hearing.
- 3112 408 W 4th St: Owner decided to sell; no recent progress. Property gutted, needs plumbing, electrical, mechanical. Continued to April 24.
- 3117 1248 S Roosevelt: Framing and foundation work underway; being converted into a duplex. Continued to April 24.
- 3120 530 E 7th St: Owner working to obtain demolition permit, had contractor issues but secured utility sign-offs. Are asbestos inspection done. Continued to April 24.
- 3121 714 E Hill: Owner reported removing garage doors, starting framing. Electrician needed. Continued to April 24.
- 3122 230 S Oak: Owner absent; reported via message that siding work delayed due to rim joist damage. Inspector had not seen evidence of work. Continued to April 24.
- 3128 316 N Schifferdecker: Repairs nearly complete; board voted to release from agenda (motion carried).
- 3131 1112 S Jackson: Dangerous building permit in place; board released from agenda 4-3 (Duncan, Wicklin, Harrington voted no).
- 3133 921 W 5th St: Attorney reported a cash offer; property secure. Continued to April 24.
- 3134 2705 S Virginia: Owner fixed windows, listed for sale, but reported recent vandalism. Continued to April 24.
- 3141 2402 S Alabama: Owner boarded windows, listed property, but interior has significant damage (holes in ceilings, soffit rot). Inspector noted misleading MLS comment. Continued to April 24.
- 3142 723 S Roosevelt: Representatives reported owner had applied for a $66,000 renovation permit; property had been opened up. Continued to April 24.
- 3143 1334 S Roosevelt: Owners deceased; two living heirs being located. Continued to April 24.
- 3144 712 E Pool: Owner lives in Honduras; property being transferred to a relative contractor who will pull permits and remove unpermitted addition. Continued to April 24.
- 3145 122 N Maple: New owner Sid Davis plans to pull a demolition permit. Continued to April 24.
- 3146 610 S Missouri: No response; property in very poor condition (dirt floor, shell). Staff to prepare for possible demolition. Continued to April 24.
- 3147 2029 S Byers: No response; ownership research needed. Continued to April 24.
- 3148 1716 W A: New business; posted in 2023, vacant, no response. Continued to April 24.
- 3149 929 S Roosevelt: Recently sold to James Heron; inspector noted roof and window concerns. New owner aware of board status. Continued to April 24.
- 3150 2027 S Bird: Posted January 2024, no response, very poor condition. Continued to April 24.
Key Outcomes
- Release from agenda: 3128 (316 N Schifferdecker) and 3131 (1112 S Jackson) were released. 3131 vote was 4-3 in favor.
- Demolition hearing for 3139 1509 S Pitcher: The board held a formal hearing. Lead inspector Shelley Dolson testified the property had a fire in July 2025, causing structural damage. Owner Samantha Johnson consented to demolition via email. The board unanimously declared it a dangerous building under Joplin Code §26-612 subsections 3, 6, 10, 11, 13, 15, and 17, and ordered demolition including outbuildings.
- All other properties (19 items) were continued to the April 24, 2026 meeting for a progress report or demolition hearing.
- The meeting adjourned after completion of all business.
Meeting Transcript
We'll go ahead and call the March Board of Appeals meeting to order. First order of business is roll call. Mr. Brown. Present. Mr. Windsor. Present. Mr. O'Brien. Present. Mr. Duncan. Present. Mr. Wicklin. Present. Mrs. Harrington. Present. Has everyone had a chance to review the minutes from the February meeting? Yes. I would move approval of the February 27th minutes. Second. Motion by Mr. O'Brien, seconded by Mrs. Harrington that the uh February Board of Appeals meeting minutes be approved. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Those opposed. Motion carries. We're gonna go ahead and follow the uh the agenda in order. The first item of business is 3104 1909 West 15th Street. Morning. How y'all doing? Good, are you? No more. Can you tell us the progress you made on your pro property since the last meeting? Yes. Uh well, I got my siding on the house. I don't have really have any help. I do have help when I can get help. And uh that have to do with my lip pool and my C rock. And I should be done about next month by the time of the meeting next month. Or real, real close. Anything to add on that? You got has he got his electrical? Yeah. Oh, that's that's getting started last week. So he had the sheeting inspection now.
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