Hearing officer fines property $7,500 after fire marshal finds illegal basement apartment

Hearing officer Robert Maslin imposed a $7,500 fine and closed the file for a property that contained an illegal basement apartment, citing fire‑marshal findings and a history of noncompliance.

City staff and the fire marshal reported that an interior inspection found habitable rooms in a basement that lacked required safety features and egress; the fire marshal described the living conditions to staff as life‑threatening and pursued its own enforcement and referral to the state attorney. Building and health‑department inspectors also documented unfinished construction and unsafe conditions. Zoning staff told the hearing they had repeatedly requested corrective action and that earlier notifications and inspections produced no sustained compliance.

Why it matters: the fire marshal’s involvement elevated the case from a zoning violation to a life‑safety enforcement matter. The zoning fine is intended to reinforce corrective action and provide documentation for additional enforcement through other city legal channels if the owner fails to comply.

Key details and outcome: the hearing officer found a prior violation on record and noted the fire marshal’s observations. On March 26, 2025, the hearing officer assessed a $7,500 fine and closed the zoning file. City staff said parallel enforcement by the fire marshal and the state attorney’s office remained in effect and that the property could face additional legal action if unsafe conditions persist.

Speakers identified for this item include Hearing Officer Robert Maslin, the fire marshal’s office (inspector Burrows referenced by staff) and city enforcement staff (John Hayducki and Leo Guerrero were involved in inspections).