Wilmington officials this week are expected to consider a measure that aims to reduce the lag time for dealing with homes that don't meet the city's minimum housing code.

At an upcoming meeting Tuesday, Sept. 16, City Council members are scheduled to discuss a resolution that changes the current system, which can result in property owners being given up to nearly a year, or more if the home is historic, to make the changes required.

Under a new system, property owners who want more time to comply, after the six months they are granted at the beginning of the process, can appeal to a hearing officer.

The hearing officer could then grant up to two months, instead of up to six more months, according to agenda documents.

City staff members devised the alternative procedure in response to concerns council members raised during the summer about the amount of time it takes a non-compliant property to go from inspection to the point of a possible condemnation ordinance, wrote city Manager Sterling Cheatham in a letter to officials.

The City Council will meet at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday in the council’s chambers at City Hall.