Board approves demolition of substandard unpermitted structure at 7180 Dodge Road

The Lake County Board of Supervisors on Sept. 23 voted 4-1 to uphold a notice of nuisance and order to abate that directs demolition of an unpermitted and unsafe structure at 7180 Dodge Road in the Neese area of Nice.

County staff and the county building official told the board the structure was constructed without permits, lacks a septic system and presents hillside stability and structural-support concerns that make it unsafe to occupy.

Marcus Beltramo, code enforcement manager, said county records show no building permits for the structure and described it as “an unpermitted structure” on property zoned SR. He said corrective options presented to the owner included obtaining permits and bringing the structure up to code or obtaining a demolition permit and removing the building. Beltramo said the chief building official reviewed the property and that a primary concern is public safety.

Chief Building Official Jack Smiley told the board he observed roof members laid flat without structural support and identified hillside stability and foundation issues: “Parts of the roof that are built with TGIs laying flat, which has no structural support,” and he noted that slope stability on the downhill side was a concern. He added that if the owner were to submit plans, obtain septic and meet current codes, the building department could consider permits and plan review.

Owner Diana Angolero testified under oath that she bought the lot in 2022 and has been working with family and friends to clean the property. She said she had been hospitalized several times this year but had removed some hazardous items and paid for an asbestos report; she asked the county for help so she could keep or rehabilitate the structure.

Code-enforcement Officer Wesley Nelson described field findings including an abandoned or failed septic pit and evidence of slope movement: “I was able to move it to the side and find redwood lumber and water underneath it as, like, a holding septic tank.” Nelson said surrounding parcels had failed percolation tests and that the 30% grade in places limits septic options and complicates compliance.

Board members discussed options including a compliance plan with set milestones, whether temporary dwelling permits could be issued during cleanup, and the practical costs and feasibility of bringing the structure into compliance. Beltramo and Smiley said bringing the structure to current code would likely require engineered plans, a new septic system and utility connections; Beltramo estimated remediation and safe demolition costs could be in the range of “20 to $25,000” if demolition and hazardous-material removal were required.

One supervisor proposed a conditional compliance window (30 days) to permit the owner to apply for permits before staff moved to demolish; several supervisors and staff said no contractor or engineer had appeared at the hearing to certify the structure was salvageable. After discussion, a motion to uphold the notice and direct staff to proceed with demolition carried 4-1.

Staff told the owner the county can meet with her to explain the zoning-clearance checklist, required utilities (well, septic, or water tank arrangements) and available procedural steps if she wishes to pursue repair and permitting. The board record shows the order to abate will proceed; staff will coordinate abatement and follow-up reporting.

Provenance: Transcript of Lake County Board of Supervisors hearing item 6.7 (request for hearing regarding code enforcement activity at 7180 Dodge Road).