MARYSVILLE, Calif. — The owner of the torched Hotel Marysville must begin the demolition process within the next 10 days, according to a decision released Thursday by a panel.
The saga over who should be responsible for the demolition of the building stretches back to mid-June when a fire engulfed the building. Authorities declared the building a total loss.
The City of Marysville declared a state of emergency days after the fire due to the danger of the building collapsing.
At the time, city manager Jim Schaad told ABC10 he believed the owner should ‘do the right thing’ and demolish the building.
However, the building’s owner, Urban Smart Growth, said they wanted the city to take over the property instead – meaning the city would have to pay for demolition.
Caught in the middle of the two positions are multiple businesses that have remained closed because of their location within the impact zone if the building collapses or due to road closings.
In early August, the city served a notice to the owner and the owner filed an appeal on August 11 leading to a September 6 hearing.
The hearing led to Thursday’s decision from the panel, which says the building’s owner has 10 days to begin the process of demolition. That includes getting permits and providing proof a contractor is hired to oversee the demolition.
If that does not happen within 10 days, the city can demolish the building and pass off the costs through a lien on the property.
The decision says the actual demolition of the building must be completed within 60 days.
WATCH MORE ON ABC10: Marysville declares emergency after historic hotel fire creates safety, transportation nightmare
