FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 24, 2011 # 148
SUBJECT: Next in Line … November 30 Demolition Deadline Set for Commercial Properties
CONTACT: Lynn Onstot, Public Information Officer 417-624-0820, ext. 204
Demolition has become an all-too familiar activity in Joplin since the May 22 tornado and we aren’t quite done with it yet. Commercial property owners now need to follow in the footsteps of residential property owners and clear their storm-damaged properties and leftover concrete in the coming weeks.
City officials are setting a November 30 deadline for commercial property owners to have their lots cleared or have a provable plan in place for the work to occur shortly thereafter. If neither is done, the property owners face action by the City to have the work done and the costs associated with that work billed against the property. Parking lots do not need to be removed as part of this effort.
“Together, as a community, we have made amazing strides in cleaning up and rebuilding Joplin since the May tornado,” said City Manager Mark Rohr. “We need to keep that momentum going within our business community and clear the last of these lots so that our recovery can continue.”
Commercial properties include retail and service businesses, as well as residential rental units such as apartments, condos, four-plexes and other multi-family dwelling units.
While the deadline does not apply to those who are rebuilding on an existing slab, basement or footings, it does pertain to the following scenarios:
- 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.
- Slabs, basements, crawl spaces or footings that will not be reused by the current property owner.
- 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. 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.
Property owners can do a demolition themselves or use insurance or other funds to hire a professional, certified contractor to complete the work. A demolition permit from the City of Joplin is required. Demo permits are FREE until Dec. 31, 2011 and are available from the Joplin Building Division on the 4th floor of Joplin City Hall, 602 S. Main Street.
The resulting debris cannot be pushed to the public rights-of-way. Instead, it must to be hauled off to a proper landfill. Concrete that is removed cannot be recycled because some of it is old enough that it may contain mine chat. All concrete needs to be taken to a landfill instead.
After November 30, the City will begin a process to declare the structure or remaining structure a danger to public health and safety. This process will closely follow the one used recently for residential properties, which includes posting a notice on the property and publishing a notification of a hearing before the Building Board of Appeals.
For more information, contact the City’s Tornado Assistance Information Line (TAIL) at 417-627-2900 during regular business hours.
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