Planning commission asks for six‑month status report on 5 Star Inn after code‑enforcement issues; no immediate revocation

The West Covina Planning Commission voted 4-0 to require a six‑month status report on 5 Star Inn (2748 East Garvey Avenue) after staff outlined prior code‑enforcement cases, police calls and a terminated voucher program that had placed unhoused individuals at the site.

Joanne (planning staff) told commissioners the property had long‑running code‑enforcement activity dating to 2023 and continuing into 2024, including graffiti, property‑maintenance problems, an algae‑filled pool and reports that a nonprofit had been using the motel for temporary housing under a voucher arrangement. Joanne said the motel owner has since said that the voucher program has ended and that many long‑term tenants have been removed; staff also provided photographs showing the site both during enforcement activity and after recent cleanups.

Captain Ken Plunkett of the West Covina Police Department told the commission he compared calls for service at the motel with other nearby hotels and found the call volume “pretty similar,” averaging just under two calls per week over the last several years; he said recent contact with code enforcement indicates the property has improved. Matthew Reiza, code enforcement manager, said staff have increased inspections and observed “significant improvement” in the past couple of months; code enforcement reported nine formal inspections since September and said staff also make periodic drive‑through checks.

The motel owner/operator told the commission maintenance and cleaning schedules have been increased (housekeeping daily, maintenance rounds and gardening twice weekly) and said the property installed a 32‑camera video system. The owner also said business is down in recent years and that the voucher program that previously supplied longer‑term occupancy had ceased. The owner acknowledged some past problems—graffiti, trash and an algae‑filled pool—but said those conditions have been addressed.

Commission discussion focused on whether to require on‑site security or to mandate a subscription to an automated camera network (Flock Camera) for the property. Captain Plunkett said the city’s Flock camera data has been helpful for investigations and deterrence, but he also said mandating a camera would be a policy decision for the commission. Commissioners asked staff to report on whether the Flock program is available to private businesses and to provide data the police department has from Flock deployments.

After discussion commissioners directed staff to return in six months with a status report on code enforcement, police calls and any ongoing problems. Commissioner [motion maker not specified in the transcript] moved to request the six‑month review; another commissioner seconded. The motion passed on a roll call of Vice Chair Becerra, Commissioner Lewis, Commissioner Castellanos and Chair Haines, all voting “aye.”

The commission also asked staff to provide additional information to commissioners before the next check‑in if possible: (1) information about the Flock camera program and whether businesses can participate voluntarily, (2) motel ownership history and transient occupancy tax (TOT) trends (staff said TOT data may be confidential and will report what can be provided), and (3) police data on Flock camera leads or arrests. The commission declined to immediately start a formal modification or revocation of the motel’s unclassified use permit—such an action would require a separate noticed process and a formal public hearing—but left that option open if problems recur.