TOWARD the end of April, Elizabeth Simmons got three violation notices — for infractions committed on three dates, beginning in December — from Licenses and Inspections. The violations cited “unfit structures” in her house, such as a collapsed roof and walls, and said that if Simmons didn’t demolish the house, the city would do so and charge her. Simmons was shocked. Her roof and walls were just fine. She quickly realized the city’s mistake: The address listed on the violations, in North Philadelphia, was nowhere near her home in Southwest Philly. But she was still worried that she could be held responsible for the cost of the demolition.
