(From the City of Joplin)
The City of Joplin recently set an October 15, 2011 deadline for property owners who still have a tornado-damaged structure or the remains of one – slab, basement, crawl space or footings. This deadline means that property owners need to have either accomplished the demolition by then, have a provable plan in place for the work to occur shortly thereafter, or notify the City of your plans to rebuild on the existing foundation.
The deadline pertains to the following situations:
•Tornado-damaged structures that cannot or should not be rebuilt. This applies if the structure is dangerous or if it’s not cost-effective to rebuild.
•Slabs, basements, crawl spaces or footings that aren’t safe to reuse because they are not structurally sound.
•Slabs, basements, crawl spaces or footings that cannot be reused because the size of the replacement structure is different.
•Driveways that are no longer needed.
•Any other remaining concrete appurtenances that are no longer needed.
A provable plan for the demolition and removal of foundations means that a property owner has a signed contract from a private contractor to do the work OR a signed Right-of-Entry (ROE) form authorizing a voluntary organization to go onto the property and complete the demolition. Any ROE previously signed for the removal of loose, tornado debris is not valid for the demolition and removal of structures and foundations.
If you are rebuilding on an existing slab, basement, or footing, you do not have to remove your existing foundation, but you must notify the City of your plans by this deadline by calling 417-627-2900.
City officials sent written notices – either by letter or e-mail – to some 1,200 property owners whose lots still have structural remains or foundations. The correspondence requested a reply to several questions aimed at helping the City determine which properties will be rebuilt and which ones may still need demolition help.
Approximately half of the affected property owners have responded to the written notices. City officials encourage any property owner with a tornado-damaged structure or the remains of one to contact the City’s Tornado Assistance Information Line (TAIL) at 417-627-2900 during regular business hours to let us know your plans, if you haven’t already done so.
Property owners may also contact the Voluntary Organization Demolition Team (VODT) directly for free assistance in removing any remaining tornado-damage structures or remains of one by calling the Volunteer Reception Center at 417-625-3558 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Demolition permits are required and are usually obtained by the VODT, unless other arrangements are made. Property owners will have to grant permission to the volunteer crew to be on private property and to carry out the demolition by signing an ROE form provided by each VODT.
“The VODT are providing a tremendous service to our citizens by removing these structures and foundations to help with the cleanup effort and promote rebuilding in Joplin,” said City Manager Mark Rohr. “The volunteers are taking time from their own lives to help our community, so this opportunity for free assistance is limited by how long they are able to stay here. If you still need help to remove your structure or foundation, I encourage you to contact the VODT as soon as possible to sign up.”
If we have not heard from you by October 15, the City is set to begin action to declare the structure or remaining structure a danger to public health and safety. The City would prefer residents take advantage of the free volunteer assistance to avoid this step.
The process of a dangerous structure declaration includes posting a notice on the property and publishing a notification of a hearing before the Building Board of Appeals. The property owner has the opportunity to appear at the hearing before the Building Board of Appeals. Once the structure or foundation is declared dangerous by the Building Board, the City Council must approve the removal of the structure or foundation. If the City removes the structure or foundation, there will be a charge to the property owner for the actual cost of the demolition and removal.
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