City orders property compliance or face demolition within 30 days

In a recent meeting of the Building and Standards Commission, discussions centered on the compliance of a property previously owned by a deceased individual, Jose Josefina Molina. The commission addressed the need for action regarding the property, which had its certificate of occupancy revoked. The city may take necessary measures, including demolition, if compliance is not achieved.

The meeting highlighted the complexities surrounding property ownership, as the heirs of Molina, including Guillermina Saravia and her siblings, were present to discuss their plans for the property. They reported that they had cleaned up the site, including the removal of an illegally used shed, and presented three potential options: demolishing and rebuilding, rehabilitating the property, or selling it. However, they indicated that the sale option would be delayed for about a year due to the prospective buyer's new job commitments.

Despite the heirs' request for more time to decide on the property's future, the commission stated that they could only grant a maximum of 90 days for either rehabilitation or demolition. The city recommended that action be taken within 30 days, emphasizing the need for compliance with municipal ordinances.

The heirs expressed concerns about obtaining the necessary permits for repairs, as they were informed that only the property owner could apply for them. The commission clarified that permits are typically issued to homeowners for their primary residences, which does not apply in this case due to the property's current status.

The meeting underscored the challenges faced by the heirs in navigating property regulations while seeking to restore or sell the property, as well as the city's commitment to ensuring compliance with building standards.