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Planning and Building Department, Code Enforcement Division, recommending the Board approve and authorize the Purchasing Agent to execute an amendment to Agreement 8903 with J.A. Snyder Pacific West Inc for the provision of as-needed structural abatement services, contingent upon County Counsel and Risk Management approval, to increase compensation by $55,000 for a new total amount of $100,000 with no changes to the scope of work or term, due to the imminent demolition of a structure, located at 10880 US Highway 50 known as the Whitehall Building, that poses an active and substantial hazard to life, health, and public safety.
FUNDING: General Fund (Code Enforcement Abatement Fund).
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
On September 13, 2024, the County Purchasing Agent signed Agreement 8903 with J.A. Snyder Pacific West Inc, to provide as-needed Code Enforcement services for any of the following three services: perimeter fencing for vacant or damaged structures, boarding up doors and windows of vacant or damaged structures, and demolition and debris removal of vacant or damaged structures.
The requested increase in compensation is necessary for the planned demolition of a structure located at 10880 US Highway 50 known as the Whitehall Building. The building has been vacant since the late 1990s, and the condition of the building has continued to deteriorate. Portions of the building have separated and moved off the foundation towards the American River. Code Enforcement staff have reached out to the property owner over the past year who indicated he planned to restore the building. Code Enforcement requested securing the building site with fencing and submitting an engineer's report evaluating the current condition and what would be needed to save the structure. The property owner secured the building site but to date has not submitted an engineer's report.
On April 21, 2026, Planning and Building Department, Code Enforcement staff convened a meeting with representatives from the Building Division, Stormwater, Planning, County Counsel, Environmental Management, and Fish and Wildlife to discuss the situation as it appeared the structure was continuing to shift towards the river and a plan for abatement was discussed and photos showing the condition were shared (Attachment B). After this meeting, County staff reached out to two on-call demolition firms. J.A. Snyder Pacific West Inc responded, went out to the site, evaluated the site and what process and equipment would be necessary to demolish the structure and provided a proposal estimating the cost at $87,890.
Code Enforcement staff contacted the property owner, requesting an inspection by a County engineer, but did not get a response. On May 5th, Code Enforcement staff received an inspection warrant from a judge.
On May 7, 2026, County Senior Civil Engineer, Supervising Building Inspector, and Code Enforcement Officer conducted an on-site structural assessment of the building located at 10880 US Highway 50 (Attachment A). After the inspection, it was determined by staff that the structure is unsafe and beyond practical repair and poses an active and substantial hazard to life, health, and public safety. Due to it's condition and proximity to the American River, it was determined that it is necessary to proceed with abatement of the property and demolish the structure.
Approval of this item will allow the Department to amend Agreement 8903 to allow for demolition through abatement, should the owner of the property not remedy the situation in the timeframe provided by Code Enforcement. Due to the urgent nature of the request, staff are requesting that the Board authorize the Purchasing Agent to execute the amendment and approve the amendment in concept while the amendment is drafted. The Department will return to the Board with a lien request on the property, if demolition through the abatement process occurs. All demolition costs, including staff time, will be included in the lien amount. The property owner can pay off the lien or it will be recovered at the time the property is sold.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board may choose not to approve this proposed amendment, however this could lead to further costs and the potential of the structure sliding into the American River and resulting in further work and possible environmental concerns with the river.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION: N/A
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
County Counsel
Risk Management
Chief Administrative Office
CAO RECOMMENDATION
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no change to net county cost for this item. Code Enforcement maintains an Abatement Fund that is used to pay the up-front costs of abatement. If abated, staff will return to the Board requesting a lien on the APN to allow the County to recover costs incurred for the structural abatement and associated costs. The Department will return to the Board in June with a budget transfer for this project.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
N/A
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
N/A
CONTACT
Karen L. Garner, Director
Planning and Building Department