There is a valid permit for this construction work, and as long as they do even a little bit toward completion the permit is still good and the work can continue. We will check on the abandoned car.

Thank you for the quick response and an explanation of how the construction permit works. Is there any other avenue for us to pursue, if the construction has been dragging on for more than 4 years?

This is such an eyesore in beautiful neighborhood of Raleigh. Unfortunately this house does not belong to any neighborhood association, so there are no covenants for it to follow, as far as I know.

I hope this permit is not renewed continuously, somehow or the other the owner has to expedite and get it over.

Can the property be condemned because it has been neglected for so long?

The foundation is exposed to the weather, I don't know how weakened a foundation becomes if it is free standing and not supported by earth.

Thanks again to the City of Raleigh, this is great service.

Unfortunately, in order to keep a permit active, you don't have to do a lot, and it can stay active for the most part indefinitely as long as there is some activity on the site. We do have a history of Housing and Environmental inspections here, and our inspectors are going out to check out the abandoned vehicle, so perhaps if we continue to insist that the property stay in compliance will all regulations the property owner will finish and move on.

Our inspector has been out to the site. It does not look like there are any housing and environmental violations at this time at this address. We will try to keep an eye on it, but their construction permits allow the property to remain in a "construction site" state for as long as the permits are active.