Magistrate keeps RE Equity project on short leash after city says owner built beyond approved footprint

The special magistrate heard competing accounts about a stalled renovation project at a property linked to RE Equity Investment Group LLC and JJ Equity LLC. City inspectors told the magistrate the owner had performed work beyond the approved site plan — including an addition that encroached past the permitted footprint — and that plans had been returned for substantial corrections in September 2024. The inspector reported trash and debris at the site and said progress had stalled.

A representative for the owner said construction slowed after a building inspector raised concerns — including stairs and wall locations that differed from the approved drawings — and that the project architect and engineers required time to revise plans. The representative said holidays and supply issues delayed plan revisions but that the architect was “about 90% done” and expected to submit revised plans within a few weeks.

The magistrate continued the case to the Feb. 11, 2025, meeting for a progress report and ordered compliance by March 5, 2025, or face fines of up to $1,000 per day thereafter. The magistrate told the respondent to keep the property exterior maintained and observed that while progress had been made on demolition and structural repairs on one side, unresolved permit and footprint questions required the owner to finalize revised plans and obtain approvals before work could resume fully.

City staff advised that plan revisions must go through zoning review because the owner had altered the building footprint and mechanical systems. The magistrate emphasized the need for the respondent to submit the revised plans promptly and to coordinate with the building department so the inspector could verify progress at the next hearing.