Area Plan Commission staff told the board the property at 8938 East Hill Street lost its septic system during construction, did not have an approved septic permit, and had passed through the 2024 tax sale. The new owner, Chris Wilkinson of HomeFree Enterprises, said the tax deed was recently received, soil samples have been taken and a contractor has been contacted.

APC staff recommended allowing the new owner an opportunity to obtain required septic and building permits before enforcement such as fines or condemnation. Based on typical permitting and construction timeframes, staff and commissioners discussed a 3‑month extension with the expectation that permits and initial framing inspections would demonstrate progress.

A motion to allow a three‑month extension was made and carried; the file will be reviewed at the commissioners’ meeting on March 3, 2026. Chris Wilkinson told commissioners he has the funds and contractor contacts to proceed and said crews will move quickly once permits are pulled.