Abandoned owner appeals
Photo: City of Kelowna
Janusz Grelecki makes one last attempt to save his home from the wrecking ball.
His property at 424 Gibson Road was the subject of a demolition order that was approved by the city council on July 26, pending appeal.
Grelecki has informed the city that he would like to make use of his right to lodge a complaint. The council will hear its arguments on Monday.
Prior to its original decision in July, the city council was told that the city had made 24 trips to the property in the past 11 years to handle complaints from local residents.
Planning Director Ryan Smith stated that there had been a number of violations of the statutes, including outdoor storage contrary to development, area coverage contrary to development, construction not complying with the requirements of the BC Building Code, retaining walls over 1.23 meters without building permit, deviation permit or Building permit.
He says the property is unfinished and part of the roof is covered with a tarpaulin.
Smith said the council’s enforcement moves over the years have not been successful.
He says it is the belief of the staff that the owner is unable to make the necessary improvements.
The council has three options to maintain the remedial order, change the order, or revoke the order.
If the order is upheld, Grelecki is obliged to remove all personal items within six weeks, to have all structures and materials removed within four months and to restore the property, including the sorting and planting of native grass and plants, within six months .
The city would have the option of doing the work itself and reimbursing the costs from the property owner if the necessary measures are not completed by the dates specified in the contract.
