Decatur ARB staff updates enforcement cases; building department to follow up on several properties

Staff reported a series of active code-compliance matters during the June 12 Decatur Architectural Review Board meeting and described the next administrative steps for each case.

Key cases noted: 606 Molton Street — code enforcement flagged the property and a court date was missed, which staff described as a failure to appear and said code compliance is pursuing next steps. 850 Jackson Street — the owner completed work beyond the COA (removed landing tile/brick) and staff has sent two letters; the owner is out of town and the matter may proceed to a court summons. 506 Canal — a noncompliant roughly 8‑foot rear fence was identified; the owner said they planned to list the property for sale and staff has contacted the listing agent so prospective purchasers are informed. 641 Molton — mortar repair work began but requires a historic mortar match and further work is pending.

Staff also explained that some pale or white roof tiles observed in the district are historic asbestos roofing tiles salvaged and repainted during repair, not new rubber products; boards will not see yard signs for routine in-kind roof painting.

Staff said enforcement typically proceeds from written notices to court summons where owners do not comply; the ARB can document its position to the building department but setback and permit enforcement is handled by building/planning staff. The board noted the limits of ARB authority — approvals are distinct from building-department requirements and some remedies depend on the owner or purchasers.

Staff will continue to pursue compliance, and the board asked staff to keep commissioners informed. For some properties the next administrative step will be court action; for others the building department will contact the owner or buyer to resolve code and setback issues.

The meeting adjourned at 4:57 p.m.