Greensboro housing panel gives owner more time to repair fire-damaged house, sets 90‑day check‑in

The Greensboro Minimum Housing Standards Commission voted to continue a repair case for 90 days for the property listed in the hearing file as 703 South (the transcript alternately records the street name as Glendale and Lindell) to allow the owner time to pursue repairs and insurance claims.

Inspector Mark Whiteman told commissioners that his original inspection noted extensive fire damage, a collapsed metal patio roof and an interior stripped to the framing; staff estimated repairs at roughly 40% of the property's tax value. "The entire interior has been gutted down to the bare frame," Whiteman said while describing visible fire and smoke damage.

The property owner, identified in the hearing packet as Rhonda Rosser, told the commission she has moved multiple times since the fire and is caring for family members with significant health and behavioral needs, saying she needs time to secure repairs that will let the household return. The owner said she and her contractor were working with the insurer.

Jefferson, a project manager with Data Restoration, said the insurer approved work earlier in the week and that contractors were scheduled to start within days. "We've got approval now," Jefferson said, adding he expected to proceed and secure the property while repairs are planned.

Staff recommended, and commissioners accepted, a continuance rather than restarting enforcement. Commissioners discussed an initial proposal for 120 days but amended and passed a motion to continue the case for 90 days, with the commission to receive a status update at its July 15 meeting. While the case is continued, current enforcement is paused; staff said a subsequent inspection and update should close the matter if the property reaches compliance.

The commission's action leaves the inspector's order in place while giving the owner a window to demonstrate progress; if the owner fails to make required repairs, staff said the city could resume enforcement and pursue abatement and cost recovery consistent with code procedures.