The city of Boulder on Sept. 17 filed a notice of a motion to dissolve a temporary court order preventing enforcement of a safety closure at 891 12th St. in Boulder, Colorado, also known as Ash House. The motion will be heard in Boulder County District Court on Sept. 20.
The temporary court order was issued in response to a closure notice the city issued to that property on Sept. 16 after discovering that the property owner created additional bedrooms without city approval, according to the opinion.
The city alleges that 15 new bedrooms were constructed without building permits, land use approval or life-safety inspections in the days after city building inspectors had conducted inspections on the previously permitted construction, resulting in units that don’t meet code or life-safety requirements.
In the release, the city stated that it will comply with the court order preventing additional enforcement for as long as that order remains in effect, but that it remains committed to safety in its community and holding property owners accountable for apparent violations.
“The safety of Boulder community members is the city’s top priority, which is why we believe such urgent action is required,” Brad Mueller, director of planning and development services for the city, said in a press release. “The current conditions at this location do not comply with the city’s building code and present an immediate risk to the people living at this address. The building code exists to ensure minimum safety, health and quality of life standards for Boulder community members.”
According to the city, notice of the closure on Sept. 16 resulted in the temporary displacement of approximately 60 student renters, and at least 13 will need to find new permanent housing.