Baytown Property Destruction Dispute

Summary

Lisa, a resident of Baytown, TX, is facing a legal dispute with the city over the condition of her property. The city wants to destroy her property due to its poor condition. Lisa, who is disabled and lives on a fixed income, has been unable to find assistance for the necessary repairs. She has contacted various organizations and individuals, but has not received any help. She has a court date set for 8/28/23. She has also reached out to the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs for help, but has not received a response.

Full Conversation

The City of Baytown wants to destroy my property.
What is the reason given by the City of Baytown for wanting to destroy your property?
It's not in the best shape. I know this. I'm disabled, live on a fixed income. I can't find anyone who will help me.
Have you received any formal notice from the City of Baytown regarding this matter?
Yes
What does the formal notice state and have you responded to it?
Well there is a court date
Do you know the location of the court where your case will be heard?
Yes
What is the date of your court hearing?
*/*/*
What is the exact location of the court where your case will be heard?
Baytown Tx
What is the nature of the property that the City of Baytown wants to destroy?
It needs work
What kind of work does your property need? In Baytown, TX, you may be eligible for assistance programs for home repairs.
general repairs
What is the extent of the repairs needed? In Texas, the Department of Housing and Community Affairs provides home repair assistance for eligible individuals.
storage building is fall apart, garage falling apart. my home has a hole in the roof from hurricane damage
What steps have you taken so far to address these repair needs?
I've contacted so many people. Habitat for humanity, never got a response. Contractors, handymen want thousands of dollars up front that I just don't have.
Have you considered applying for home repair assistance from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs? They might be able to help.
i've looked into it, it's just all so confusing
What specifically about the application process for the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs is confusing to you?
I'm not sure which one to fill out which form is for me and my situation
Which type of assistance are you seeking: emergency repairs, accessibility improvements, or comprehensive rehabilitation? This will determine the form you need to fill out.
repairs, improvements
What is the estimated cost of the repairs and improvements needed for your property?
I honestly don't know *-30k maybe
Have you tried reaching out to local non-profit organizations or churches? They sometimes have resources or volunteers who can assist with home repairs.
Yes I have. Most didn't respond, those who did said they weren't able to help.
Have you contacted the Baytown Municipal Court to request a postponement of the hearing due to your ongoing efforts to secure repair assistance?
Yes and no response as of today. I keep receiving letters from the City. It's quite stressful
What does the latest letter from the City state?
Well I haven't received it yet. Checked USPS website and saw that I was receiving another one.
What is the deadline given by the City of Baytown for the repairs to be completed?
Less than a month that I was given to get a permit for repairs. Which I wasn't able to do.
What is the reason you were unable to obtain a permit for the repairs?
I'm disabled, no vehicle. Haven't left home in over 10 years.
What options have you explored for obtaining a permit remotely or through assistance? In Baytown, TX, some permits can be obtained online or via mail.
I googled it but wasn't able to find what I was looking for.
Have you tried contacting the Baytown Permitting and Licensing Division for assistance in obtaining a permit remotely? They can be reached at (*) *-*.
In order to get a permit don't the repairs have to be made?
No, the permit is usually obtained before the repairs start. It's a legal authorization to begin the work. You may need to provide a plan or description of the proposed repairs.
how can I obtain the permit when I can't find anyone to help with repairs?
Have you considered hiring a contractor who can help with the repairs and also assist in obtaining the necessary permits?
Yes I have, but those I talked to want thousands of dollars up front before they do repairs.
Have you tried reaching out to the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs for guidance on hiring a contractor within your budget?
yes, they haven't responded yet
What is the timeline you have given them to respond? It's important to follow up if you haven't heard back within a reasonable time frame.
anytime
What is the current status of your application with the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs?
didn't know there was an application. I emailed them
What was the content of the email you sent to the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs?
about the City wanting to destroy my property
What specific assistance did you request from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs in your email?
that i needed help
What type of help did you request from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs?
i didn't tell them specifically just that i needed help with repairs to my home garage and storage building
What is the current condition of your home, garage, and storage building? Are they safe to use or pose any danger to you or others?
are they safe from what
Are they safe from causing harm to you or others due to their current condition?
what condition
What is the current physical condition of your home, garage, and storage building? Are they structurally sound or are there any immediate dangers due to their disrepair?
no danger no
What steps have you taken to communicate this to the City of Baytown? It's important to inform them about the current condition of your property.