Inspector gives all clear for buildings near demolition site

Shelbyville building inspector Scotty Farrar stands with Wayne Perry, left, atop the Family Development Center to check if the roofs on the east side of the square are structurally sound. (T-G Photo by Brian Mosely) [Order this photo]

Shelbyville's building inspector has found everything is all right on the east side of the square as far as structural integrity goes after a citizen expressed concern about the status of aging buildings.

According to the city manager, officials hope to take a look at other structures on and around the public square to see how they are holding up.

During last Tuesday's study session of the Shelbyville City Council, a citizen expressed concern about the fact the city demolished two buildings on East Depot Street last year. The citizen didn't want to see such a thing happen again.

A building at 109 E. Depot St. was taken down last year after it was deemed a danger to the public. The structure containing 111 and 113 E. Depot was damaged during the demolition, and it had to be torn down as well.

On Friday Shelbyville building inspector Scotty Farrar took a look at the new roof on the building housing the Center for Family Development, which he said was structurally sound.

But while Farrar was on the roof, he took the opportunity to examine the other buildings on the east side of the square and found that everything "was in good shape."

Farrar said the building that houses the Center dates back to the mid-1800's.

"All the roofs looked pretty good, they're in good condition," Farrar said.

Farrar has been looking at roof structures on and around the square for the past year, according to city manager Ed Craig.

"It's his belief that any structural damage comes from roof leaks," Craig explained, citing that the problems with 109 E. Depot were caused by an open roof, which weakened the building.

Craig said the city has adopted the International Property Maintenance Code, which gives the city a "right of entry" to a building to conduct an inspection.

"When we have reason to believe that a condition may exist, we don't have the unfettered right to just go in and inspect them," Craig said. "If we can get permission to conduct a review for them, then we'll be happy to do that."

But Craig added the city would continue checking for potentially unsafe conditions on buildings around the square.

"If there is a reasonable basis to impose ourselves for inspection, we'll do that," Craig said. He added that if they can get permission to check the south and west sides of the square, then the city can see if the other buildings are sound.