2004-03-16_Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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purpose of inspecting the condition of the structure. Conditions observed include: 1.A 4x4 section of the living room ceiling plaster had fallen. This was reportedly caused by ice dams leaking water into the attic and through the ceiling. 2.Very severe peeling of paint on walls and other surfaces was observed. Due to the structure’s age and obvious lack of recent maintenance the peeling paint is very likely lead based. 3.Two of the upstairs bedrooms had ceiling areas of approximately 4x4 where the plaster had fallen, exposing the attic. It was observed through these holes that roof repairs had occurred and there was no evidence of recent leakage. 4.The rear lower bedroom showed signs of a current water leak at the ceiling with the result being a warping and heaving of the wooden floor. 5.The structure had been cleaned of debris resulting from fallen plaster. 6.The upstairs bedrooms and attic spaces showed signs of rodent harborage with resulting damage (wood chewed upon, insulation torn off). Attic areas also had holes (chewed) to the exterior which could allow rodent entry. 7.The gas and electrical services were shut off according to Mr. Wu. Water was also shut off, however, Mr. Wu complained of receiving water bills for water usage. Mr. Wu was referred to the Public Works Department. 8.The crawl space below the structure was entered. The foundation walls were in good condition except for that portion below the porch addition where two sections were failing and collapsing inward. Gaps in the blocks were large enough to allow entry by rodents and small children. Although no significant rain had fallen in the last six weeks, the exposed soil in the crawl space was very damp. 9.The smell of mold permeated throughout the structure. 10.The power lines running from the pole to the house are approximately 8’ above the ground and held at this height by the dead branch of a tree. With the branch gone the power lines would hang even lower. The conclusion of this inspection is that the structure is currently in violation of Minnesota State Building Code Section 1308.0180 ‘Unsafe Building’. The structure is declared an Unsafe Structure, it’s Certificate of Occupancy is hereby revoked and the building must be repaired or demolished. If repair is decided upon, repairs that must be completed within 90 days include: 1.Any failing portions of the foundation must be removed and rebuilt. A building permit is required for this work (the holes must be secured immediately so children can not enter). 2.The sewer line must be capped to avoid sewer gas filling the structure. 3.Verify the gas and electrical services are properly shut. 4.The power line from the pole to the house must be removed from the branch and reinstalled to maintain a height of 12’ where possible (connection to the house is at approx. 9’). An electrical permit is required for this work. Subsequent to this inspection an additional inspection was conducted on the structure’s exterior to identify any public nuisance violations that might exist. Because of the number of complaints received, and the likelihood of future enforcement action regarding these issues, it was deemed