The Hopkinsville City Code Ordinance Enforcement Board on Dec. 9, 2025, found violations at three properties and ordered fines, deadlines for repair plans, and possible city abatement.

Chair Rodney Davis opened the public hearings for three cases, and code enforcement officers presented evidence for each property. Code Enforcement Officer Mark DeArmond told the board that an inspection at 204 East 19th Street following police activity on Nov. 5, 2025, revealed extensive exterior decay, broken or boarded windows, interior signs of trespass and habitation, exposed electrical wiring and an energized breaker box, and inoperable utilities. DeArmond said the unsafe-structure checklist showed most applicable exterior and interior items in violation and that the structure met the criteria of an unsafe structure. "7 of the 8 applicable items were in violation," DeArmond said during his presentation.

Charles Motley, who identified himself as a grandson of the property owner, acknowledged the structure "appears to be an unsafe structure" and said he wanted to repair and occupy it but needed more time. "I just need a little bit more time to fix it," Motley said, adding that contractors told him the work "is gonna cost a lot." Board members warned Motley that unresolved probate or ownership issues could affect whether he should invest in repairs and advised he seek legal counsel.

After deliberation the board found the city had proved a violation for the Martha Green Estate matter (case CEBPM-25-11-006). The board assessed the minimum fine of $350 plus a $200 administrative fee, gave the owner 90 days to rehabilitate the property and required a work plan be submitted to code enforcement within 45 days; the order specifies that if the work plan is not submitted or approved within 45 days the city may proceed with abatement.

The second case, CEBPM25-09-003, concerned a property at 1402 Evans Street. Code Enforcement Officer Jeffrey Watkins said his inspection beginning Sept. 4 documented open doors, missing roof metal, significant decay in exterior walls, interior sagging and water damage, exposed wiring and a disconnected electric meter. Watkins reported unpaid taxes and that notices and citations had been returned as undeliverable; he described the structure as open to trespass and unsafe. The board found a violation, assessed a $350 fine plus a $200 administrative fee, authorized the city to abate the property, and added a requirement that the city secure the building to prevent trespass or fire risk prior to abatement or demolition.

The third case, CEGTW-25-10-018, was a repeat grass/trash/weeds violation at 534 South Woolridge Road presented by Code Enforcement Officer Darnell West. West said the property exceeded the 8‑inch height standard under the city's property standards ordinance (chapter 93.03), had received prior notice and a citation, and that Public Works had mowed the property before the hearing. The board found a violation and assessed a $300 fine plus a $200 administrative fee.

Under new business the board also approved dismissal of two citations (agenda item 8a) after staff determined notices had been sent to incorrect property owners, and the board upheld several default final orders listed under agenda items 8b–8h, issuing the fines and administrative fees listed on the agenda. Chair Davis closed the meeting with holiday remarks and adjourned.

Next steps: the board's orders set financial penalties and compliance deadlines; staff told the board they will proceed with abatement where owners default or fail to submit approved work plans, and affected owners may appeal final orders to Christian District Court within 30 days as noted by the chair.