Building Inspector Scott Shippey told Selectmen legal action is required to inspect two houses that pose a public safety threat Tuesday night.

Located at 974 and 1013 Point Road the houses are already in a state of disrepair. The previous owners are deceased and after a tax record search Shippey said he found nobody is liable for the properties.

“We can’t find an heir from here to California that wants to take responsibility and the houses are becoming very dangerous,” Shippey said.

He asked Selectmen to let town counsel file for a temporary restraining order in court.

“The order would allow a board of survey to go onto the property. Otherwise, we don’t have any legal right to enter the property,” Shippey said.

That group is a three-person board Shippey has assembled. Per Massachusetts state law, the board is comprised of a town’s fire chief, a disinterested party and a licensed contractor.

Members would be tasked with inspecting the building’s structural integrity.

Selectmen unanimously approved Shippey’s request.