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Commissioners flag seagull nesting, sanitation problems on Del Monte Avenue; staff to check legal options
Summary
Several commissioners described extensive seagull nesting on a vacant building on Del Monte Avenue that is creating sanitation and business-access problems; commissioners asked staff and the city attorney to examine possible responses given marine‑sanctuary protections.
Commissioners raised ongoing seagull and nesting problems on Del Monte Avenue during the June 25 meeting, saying the infestation is affecting nearby businesses and creating sanitation and safety concerns.
One commissioner described a closed market building by Ortega Automotive with birds nesting on the roof and droppings covering parked cars and roadways. "You have a major problem with the seagulls because you can't hurt them, and they are nesting up on top of that building," the commissioner said, urging property-owner action before demolition or redevelopment is pursued. Other commissioners and staff described similar observations and worried about the impacts on auto body businesses that paint vehicles and on pedestrians who feel unsafe walking under heavy bird activity.
Staff said there are legal constraints because the birds are protected and that the city has discussed consent agreements with property owners to allow abatement activity on private property. The city attorney will be consulted to confirm what options are legally available, staff said. Commissioners suggested a range of non‑lethal measures and emphasized urgency for a site-specific solution to protect businesses and public health.
No formal enforcement action was recorded at the meeting; commissioners asked staff to follow up with the city attorney and to check whether the location is already on staff's radar for abatement or redevelopment.
