KC Apartments owner John Phipps was given a brief reprieve from the Casper City Council at Tuesday's meeting when it agreed to give Phipps extra time to obtain permits and fix the shuttered complex.

Phipps told city employees he couldn't obtain financing to repair the building, according to a city memo, because the city closed the buildings and labeled them "unsafe to occupy" after an inspection revealed dozens of fire hazards.

When the building was tagged, the notice gave Phipps until Monday to obtain building permits and begin repairs, and until May to finish the renovations. He also could have demolished the building before the end of this month.

Now, Phipps has until Jan. 31 to obtain building permits and one year after obtaining the permits to complete construction.

"This isn't about the city giving Phipps money -- it's about giving him an extension on obtaining permits or upgrades to his property," Ward 1 Councilwoman Kim Holloway said. "I wouldn't be in favor of any financial assistance."

In exchange for the extra leeway, Phipps has to obtain a "certificate of occupancy" before anyone can move in and has to keep the place locked until certificates are issued.

Phipps could complete the rehabilitation in phases as long as unsafe portions of the building don't pose a threat to occupants in the other parts of the building.

If Phipps doesn't follow the agreement, the city can tag the building "dangerous" and demolish it.

You can reach city reporter Pete Nickeas at pete.nickeas@trib.com or (307) 266-0639. You can read more about Casper politics and government at http://tribtown.trib.com/redtape

News Tracker

Last we knew: Building owner John Phipps couldn't obtain financing to fix the KC Apartments building while it was labeled dangerous, according to a city memo.

The latest: The city will lift the "dangerous building" tag so Phipps can renovate the building, provided he follow stipulations laid out by the city attorney's office.

What's next: Phipps has until Jan. 31 to obtain building permits and one year after obtaining the permits to complete construction.