Tryon council gave the go ahead on Tuesday, Jan. 21 to demolish two houses that have been deemed unfit for human habitation.
One house is located at 134 Cleveland Road (tax parcel T8-13) and the other is at an unnumbered location on Lyle Street (tax parcel T1-A5).
Town manager Joey Davis said the property owners were given notice to come into compliance with regulations by Jan. 1 and that date has passed.
Both property owners were given notice and council approved ordinances for each structure during its Jan. 21 meeting.
“The Town of Tryon finds that the dwelling described herein is unfit for human habitation under the town minimum housing code and that all of the procedures of the housing code have been complied with,” states Tryon’s ordinance, “and whereas, this dwelling should be removed or demolished as directed by the housing inspector and should be placarded by placing thereon a notice prohibiting use for human habitation.”
The ordinance also said an order was issued by the housing inspector on Sept. 16, 2013 and the owner has failed to comply with the order.
The town is required to place a placard on the houses stating, “this building is unfit for human habitation; the use or occupation of this building for human habitation is prohibited and unlawful.”
The town is giving the owners until Feb. 20 to vacate any occupants or personal property.
Davis told council if possible, the fire department will burn the houses for training purposes, which will save money on the demolitions.
Tryon places liens on properties in the amount that it costs to remove the properties in order to recoup expenses.