City Requests Expedited Review of Temporary Court Order Preventing Enforcement of Safety Closure at a Privately Owned, Off-Campus Student Housing Building

On Sept. 17, the City of Boulder filed a notice of a motion to dissolve a temporary court order preventing enforcement of a safety closure at 891 12th St. in Boulder, also known as Ash House. This motion will be heard in Boulder County District Court at 10 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 20.

The temporary court order is in response to a closure notice the city issued to that property on Sept. 16 after discovering that the property owner created additional bedrooms without city approval. Specifically, 15 new bedrooms were constructed without building permits, land use approval or life-safety inspections, evidently in the days immediately after city building inspectors had conducted inspections on the previously permitted construction. The result is that the units do not meet code and life-safety requirements.

Though the city will be complying with the court order preventing additional enforcement for as long as that order remains in effect, the city remains committed to protecting life-safety in our community and holding the property owners accountable for the apparent violations.

“The safety of Boulder community members is the city’s top priority, which is why we believe such urgent action is required,” said Brad Mueller, director of Planning & Development Services, which includes the Code Compliance division. “The current conditions at this location do not comply with the city’s building code and present an immediate risk to the people living at this address. The building code exists to ensure minimum safety, health and quality of life standards for Boulder community members.”

Monday’s notice of closure resulted in the temporary displacement of approximately 60 student renters, at least 13 of whom will need to find new permanent housing. The University of Colorado Boulder’s Division of Student Affairs is working to support students and provide resources through Off-Campus Housing and Neighborhood Relations, the Basic Needs Center, Student Legal Services and other support services to help them navigate this abrupt and significant disruption.