Bradenton Beach officials want to see demolition of 16 structures compromised by 2024 hurricanes.
Police Chief John Cosby, who oversees the city emergency management team, told commissioners Feb. 20 that on Feb. 10 he sent letters to property owners regarding the need for demolition.
If local officials determine a residential structure has been substantially damaged — the cost to repair the home is equal to or greater than 50% of its structural value before a disaster — the owner generally has three options to bring the structure into compliance, according to the FEMA website. The options are:
- Elevate the building to a height determined by local officials;
- Relocate the structure outside the floodplain;
- Demolish the structure.
Cosby said seven owners agreed to remove their buildings.
The chief said if owners do not remove their structures, the city could take code enforcement action and, a case could be brought before a special master. If further action is needed, the city could take the case to court. Cosby said the city could place a lien on the property to recover its costs.
Another option would be to go through FEMA by submitting a 16-page application that would require statements from the health department, utility cut-off certificates, right-of-entry forms, insurance vouchers and more. If approved, Bradenton Beach would have the right to perform the demo.
Cosby said the FEMA-assisted removal process would require the city to cover 12.5% of the cost. FEMA would cover 75% and 12.5% would be covered by the state.
“The average cost to take one of these (homes) out is between $25,000-$30,000,” Cosby said.
Commissioners expressed concern about a possible financial burden on taxpayers and leaned toward the code enforcement process.
“I think we should go the code route and do the normal legal process,” Commissioner Deborah Scaccianoce said. “I think more people would respond to that anyway.”
“We want to give people time,” Mayor John Chappie said. “I mean they are dealing with devastation. It’s hard.”
The commissioners opted to pursue removal of the buildings through the code enforcement department.