The Lenoir City Council unanimously approved the demolition of a residence during its meeting Tuesday night at the City-County Chambers.

Located at 1704 Bradford St. NW, the home is owned by Lena Crisp. A series of inspections, including a follow-up review on March 3, showed the house continues to be in violation of the city’s minimum housing guidelines.

Crisp had requested the re-inspection during the March 2 council meeting, though the city’s code enforcement officer said not much had changed since his previous assessment in January.

“The work that she had done did not really improve the situation,” Nathan Rhue said.

The residence has a tax value of $14,600, according to Rhue, and would require more than $10,000 in improvements to bring it up to code.

Bobby Sparks, who said he has known Crisp for a long time, asked for time to allow Crisp to gather her belongings in order to move across the street. Mayor David Barlow advised that any demolition order likely would not take place for at least 30 days, giving Crisp ample time.

City Manager Lane Bailey added that in situations such as this, the city supplies a Dumpster for refuse that will be hauled away. Bailey said the city will place a lien on the property for the demolition expense, though Crisp will continue to own the property.

Meanwhile, the council formally approved a design code for new non-residential development, following a public hearing. A previous approval by the council had been deemed invalid because the public hearing had not been formally opened to receive comments. Councilman T.J. Rohr was the lone vote against the design code.

In other business, the council:

• Was informed by Bailey that Lenoir is a finalist for a North Carolina Fit Community grant. Bailey credited Economic Development/Main Street Director Kaye Reynolds for processing the application in conjunction with Caldwell Memorial Hospital.

According to Reynolds, if Lenoir receives the grant, the former Singer Furniture site will be converted into a park and community garden. The vacant Singer plant was destroyed by fire in February 2009.

• Appointed Barbara Weiller to the Lenoir Economic Development Board.

• Received a reminder that city offices will be closed on Friday, April 2 in observance of Good Friday.