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Cerritos commission adopts abatement resolutions for three properties over landscaping violations
Summary
The commission adopted three resolutions finding properties in violation of Cerritos Municipal Code chapter 6.2 for lack of ground cover or landscape maintenance and set abatement periods; all three motions passed unanimously.
The Cerritos Property Preservation Commission adopted resolutions April 29, 2025, ordering abatement or corrective action for three properties the staff found in violation of the city’s property-maintenance code.
Staff presented photographs and inspection histories for each property and recommended resolutions under Cerritos Municipal Code chapter 6.2. The commission voted unanimously to adopt the resolutions for the following locations: the 19000 block of Ellingham Avenue; the 12700 block of Teclaire Street; and the 16300 block of Flat Peak Lane. Each motion passed with a recorded outcome of 5-0.
Case: 19000 block of Ellingham Avenue Officer Artema Kim told the commission staff first inspected the property on Aug. 16, 2024, and found most vegetation removed from both front yards and the front parkway. A notice left at the property gave 21 days to plant grass or submit a landscape plan; the owner called on Aug. 21, 2024, saying bushes had been removed because they attracted bees and that grass was planned for the cooler fall season. Inspections on Nov. 5 and Dec. 3, 2024, found no compliance. On Jan. 8, 2025, holiday decorations had been removed but no ground-cover work had begun. Staff mailed multiple notifications between Jan. 14 and April 7, 2025, and the property was posted for public hearing on April 15. The owner later told staff they planned to install sprinklers and plant grass “sometime next year.” Staff recommended adopting Resolution PPC2025-19 and setting a 30-day abatement period; the commission adopted the resolution (motion passed 5-0).
Case: 12700 block of Teclaire Street Officer Brian Lane reported staff first inspected the property on Aug. 2, 2024, noting a lack of landscape maintenance and ground cover on the front yard and parkway. A notice provided seven days to address landscape maintenance and 21 days for ground cover. Inspections in August and September 2024 showed improvement, but a Nov. 20 inspection found weeds and deteriorated maintenance; a second notice was mailed Nov. 21. Further inspections through April 8, 2025, showed recurring lack of landscape maintenance and ground cover. Staff posted the property for public hearing on April 15, 2025; staff spoke with residents before the meeting who said they would work on ground-cover issues. Staff recommended adopting a resolution (recorded as PPC2025-20 in the meeting record) and a 21-day abatement period; the commission adopted the resolution (motion passed 5-0).
Case: 16300 block of Flat Peak Lane Officer Lane Bryant reported staff first inspected the property on Aug. 27, 2024, citing weeds and lack of landscape maintenance and, later, lack of ground cover. Staff noted a resident inquiry about artificial turf and a request for an extension; staff attempted follow-up calls. Inspections through December 2024 showed some maintenance improvement but persistent ground-cover issues. Inspections from Jan. 14 through April 8, 2025, found no compliance and no approved landscape plan on file. Staff posted the property for a public hearing on April 15, 2025, and recommended adoption of a resolution (recorded in the meeting as PPC2025-201) setting a 21-day abatement period; the commission adopted the resolution (motion passed 5-0).
Each staff report noted the code’s requirement for live vegetation in parkways — typically at least a three-foot-wide band adjacent to the property line — to help sustain street trees and reduce sidewalk and curb damage from exposed roots. In the first case, staff recommended a 30-day abatement period because of the extended duration of noncompliance; staff recommended 21-day abatement periods for the other two properties.
No members of the public spoke at any of the hearings. The commission closed each public hearing before voting on staff recommendations.
Votes at a glance - PPC2025-19 (19000 block of Ellingham Avenue): Adopt resolution finding property nuisance under CMC ch. 6.2; 30-day abatement; vote 5-0 (approved). - PPC2025-20 (12700 block of Teclaire Street): Adopt resolution finding property nuisance under CMC ch. 6.2; 21-day abatement; vote 5-0 (approved). - PPC2025-201 (16300 block of Flat Peak Lane): Adopt resolution finding property nuisance under CMC ch. 6.2; 21-day abatement; vote 5-0 (approved).
