HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – A duplex on North McPherson Street in downtown Hopkinsville with numerous code violations and questionable living conditions for tenants was recently discussed by the city. With the Hopkinsville Fire Department leading code enforcement efforts in the city, they are committed to ensuring quality housing conditions for residents and facilitating demolitions of unsafe structures.
“At the core, holding property owners and landlords accountable is about public safety and basic habitability. Housing should meet minimum standards that protect people from preventable hazards,” Fire Chief Futrell told Christian County Now.
Public Hopkinsville Code of Enforcement Board meetings are held each month to evaluate and review evidence regarding code violations with property owners. Futrell said that they encounter violations involving rental properties on a regular basis. While some landlords correct violations, some have prolonged noncompliance.
“When violations go unaddressed, tenants are the ones most likely to bear the consequences, and those risks can also impact neighboring properties and the broader community,” said Futrell.
Property conditions, numerous code violations on duplex
“This structure is unsafe and unlivable for anyone,” said board chair Rodney Davis during the Jan. 13 meeting where the findings from the duplex were presented. Code violations were initially reported about the property in early October of 2025. An inspection was held on Dec. 18, 2025, after Hopkinsville Police officers reported unsafe conditions. Nine people and five dogs were found living at the property and it was deemed as an Unsafe Structure.
Among various code violations, there has been no water at the property since August of 2025, and no gas service since 2018 despite having tenants. The foundation was found to have cracks, the roof had various patches with large holes in the interior ceiling. The majority of the windows are broken with plastic, cardboard or cloth covering them up.
Various holes were in the interior walls, some caused by rats digging through the plaster. The infestation was reported on the property in October. Subfloor is exposed in some areas, and the code officer said bodily fluids and feces were found all over the house. A pump in the crawl space was being used to pump sewage out of the home and into the yard due to inoperable plumbing. Unprotected propane heaters and space heaters were also found, creating a fire hazard.
“I don’t know if you’re taking responsibility as a landlord, allowing people to stay in these conditions,” said Davis. “I’m not a landlord and I can’t tell you how to run your business, but this still is not acceptable to the city…this can’t continue like this.”
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Board discussion, next steps for property
“Our ultimate goal is not punishment, it’s resolution,” Futrell said to Christian County Now about general outcomes for code violations. “For older homes that have been neglected, the preferred outcome is that the owner brings the structure up to minimum standards so it can be safely occupied.”
Property owner Tim VanDiver told the board that he was unaware there was so many people living in the duplex. He responded to presentation by saying it was a “typical old house,” also adding that the tenants do not keep up with paying rent after putting down a deposit.
ECC logs show there were 24 calls for law enforcement to this address in 2025, with $3,039.27 in liens and taxes on the property. VanDiver said he was trying to sell the property before codes got involved. He added that anytime he added something new to the property such as a heating or air conditioning unit, it just ends up stolen saying, “Talking about the windows, as fast as I can put them in, they knock them out.”
The board debated over having the property completely abated due to the stack of violations. They eventually voted to permit the property owner 90 days to bring the property up to code, with plans submitted within 45 days. He also must pay $700 plus a $200 administration fee.
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