NO: 97-10

ORIGINATING AGENCY: GSA/OMB

EFFECTIVE DATE: 8/96

EXPIRATION DATE: IND

SUPERSEDES: 91-15-OMB

SUBJECT: BUILDING CONDEMNATION AND DEMOLITION

ATTENTION: ALL DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Anthony R. Mazzella
Division of Property Management
984-0976

Policy and Pertinent Changes

The demolition of State Real Property will be coordinated by the
Division of Property Management (the Division), General Services
Administration (GSA), Department of the Treasury (Treasury) by
submission of an RPR-1 to the Division. Departments are required
to obtain approval from the Historic Preservation Office in DEP
and the Division of Building and Construction in Treasury as
required.

TYPES OF PROPERTY DISPOSITION SUBJECT TO THIS PROCEDURE

The procedure outlined below shall apply in the following
instances:

1. In cases when a State agency seeks to vacate a State-owned
building.

2. In cases where a State agency seeks to condemn a State-owned
building. (Condemnation is defined as a declaration that a
building is unfit for further use. Such building may be sealed
and all utilities may be shut off.)

3. In cases where a State agency seeks to demolish a State-
owned building.

PROCEDURE TO VACATE, CONDEMN OR DEMOLISH STATE PROPERTY

Notification

A State agency seeking to vacate, condemn or demolish a State-
owned building shall first notify the Division of Property
Management Department of the Treasury, of its intention by
completing and submitting form RPR-1 for each building. Separate
forms for several buildings at the same facility may be submitted
as a package.

In completing form RPR-1, the title of the building, the building
location code if assigned and the fixed asset code number must be
included in the complete description of property section. The
estimated value shall be that given in the agency's fire
insurance schedule; or if the building is not on the schedule,
the estimated fair market value.

The following additional documentation shall be attached to the
RPR-1 form(s):

Site location map; USGS quad sheet with building/structure
identified (large scale map).

Map of institution/facility with building/structure
identified (detailed map).

Three sets of original photographs of the building/structure
(front view and/or rear view).

Statement by agency identifying the source of funds for the
stabilization/closure/demolition.

Proof of consultation with the Historic Preservation Office,
DEP with respect to historic/archaeological value of the building
structure.

Proof of consultation with the Division of Building and
Construction with regard to environmental/public safety issues.
The areas of concern may include the following:

asbestos containing materials
underground storage tanks
household hazardous waste
septic tanks
well closure
disconnection of utilities

Proof of consultation with local Soil Conservation District
regarding soil erosion and sedimentation control (if site
disturbance will be 5,000 square feet or greater).

Circulation and Review

Within 10 days of receipt of the RPR-1 form and accompanying
documentation, the Division shall conduct an administrative
review for completeness.

If the application is deemed deficient, the Division shall send a
letter to the agency stating the deficiencies. The Division may
return the entire application to the agency if the complete
application is not received within 180 days from the date of the
deficiency letter.

Once the application is deemed complete for review, the Division
shall circulate the notice to all Land Review Officers for their
comments.

The agencies will have 30 days to submit comments to the
Division. Failure to respond will be considered "no interest" or
"no comment" by the agency.

Following the 30 day review period, the Division will issue a
letter to the requesting agency with its findings regarding the
proposed action. The Division will have 15 days following the
close of the review period to issue the letter.

In the case of a conditional approval or clearance, the agency
must submit documentation, photographs of the property and DBC
approval, to the Division indicating compliance with the
conditions.

The agency is responsible for compliance with all State
regulations concerning environmental, health, or public safety
matters prior to demolition of a building/structure.

Emergency Action

In the event of an emergency situation (fire, storm damage, etc.)
where a building/structure is in imminent danger of collapse or
represents a significant threat to public safety or health, the
agency may take action in lieu of the formal process described
above. The Division shall be notified by telephone and followed
up with a letter/fax requesting approval to take emergency
action. If approved by the Division, the agency may take action
to reduce the threat to public health or safety and subsequently
submit an "after the fact application" to address the
administrative and remaining environmental or public health and
safety issues.

Implementation

In order to protect the State's interest, including preservation
of the building for future use or actions pursuant to
condemnation, action shall
be taken by the owning agency. When a building is condemned,
action to protect the public and reduce State costs shall be
taken, including sealing the building, removal of
valuable equipment, and shutting off of utilities. Upon
completion of the work, the building shall be inspected by DBC's
Code Inspection Unit or other State entity or agency authorized
to perform Uniform Construction Code (UCC) inspections.

When the building is demolished, the agency must process a
Retirement Form through the New Jersey Fixed Asset Reporting
System maintained by the Office of Management and Budget and
notify the Division so that the Building can be removed from the
State inventories.

This Circular Letter is effective on the date hereof.

__________________________________
George M. Gross Jr., Administrator
General Services Administration