Pastor says car crash shifted family home; magistrate allows 180 days to comply

Elton Noble, who said he represents his late grandmother's estate at 1511 Avenue E, told the special magistrate on July 9 that a December crash — which he believes was connected to a sheriff’s car chase — struck his house, shifted the structure and left the family without resources to complete repairs.

"I had went to sleep, and I was awakened by a big boom ... I do believe it was a car chase by the sheriff department," Noble testified, describing damage and a subsequent period of homelessness for the household.

City inspector Michael Waldrop presented photographs and an inventory of violations (including structural, glazing, foundation and electrical items) and recommended the magistrate find violations and give 60 days for permits and repairs. Magistrate Jamie Barrow said she was sympathetic to Noble's circumstances, urged him to contact the city's grants department for demolition/repair assistance, and extended the usual 60-day window to 180 days to allow the estate time to pursue funding and permits.

Barrow said the court's role is to protect public health and safety but that the building department and grants staff can help navigate options: "I invite you to look into these grant opportunities from the city," she told Noble. City staff also noted a demolition-grants program exists for owners who cannot repair unsafe structures.

Noble told the court he and his family had been living in an apartment after the crash and that his wife's medical and caregiving responsibilities limited the household's resources. The magistrate entered an order finding a violation and giving the estate 180 days to obtain the necessary permits and complete inspections, and reminded Noble that he has 30 days to appeal the order.

The magistrate's extension does not change the city's enforcement authority: if repairs or permits are not obtained within the ordered time, the city may assess the $250 per day civil fine spelled out in the order.