Board of Works reverses condemnation order on Columbus home

The Columbus Board of Public Works Tuesday reversed a condemnation order on 371 Center St.

The property was initially condemned in May of this year after two code violation notice letters were sent to the homeowner in December 2024 and January 2025. The new property owner wants to reconstruct with proper permits.

Code enforcement officials became aware of multiple code violations in December 2024, which included a lack of electricity and lack of running water. Officials discovered electricity was being brought into the house through an outdoor generator and multiple extension cords. The homeowner was required to disconnect the generator.

Officials also discovered downed power lines in the backyard of the property, which the homeowner said were not live. The fire marshal assessed the lines, confirming they were live.

The initial condemnation report also said there was soot found in electrical outlets, showing there had potentially been a fire “at some point.”

Code enforcement coordinator Robin Chavez said the new owner of the property wanted to obtain permits to begin work on the property as early as this week, and has already started work on the exterior of the home.