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Lake Elsinore board declares vacant Turnbull Avenue lot a public nuisance
Summary
The City of Lake Elsinore Nuisance Abatement Board voted unanimously to declare a vacant lot at APN 378-141-016 a public nuisance after finding repeated unpermitted work, on-site living in a trailer and unresolved code violations dating to 2023.
The City of Lake Elsinore Nuisance Abatement Board voted unanimously to declare a vacant lot at APN 378-141-016 on Turnbull Avenue a public nuisance, following staff reports of unpermitted structures, stored materials and on-site living in a travel trailer.
The board made the finding after a staff presentation by Fred Lopez, the city’s code enforcement manager, who described a case that began Sept. 12, 2023, and included installation of a wooden fence, placement of dirt and gravel, storage of equipment and a travel trailer on the parcel without required permits. Lopez said the city issued administrative citations, referred the case to the city prosecutor and mailed a cease-and-desist letter before the owner filed an appeal.
Lopez told the board that the building department closed the owner’s application after it was deemed incomplete, and that between June 24, 2024, and March 25, 2025, there was no contact between the owner and city staff. "If the owner fails to comply by the May 30 deadline, the city will seek an abatement warrant through the courts to remove all violations," Lopez said during his presentation.
Property owner Andrei Moskalchuk addressed the board and asked to remain on the parcel until Jan. 31, 2026, citing family hardship and contending that engineers had told him it was impossible to install a standard or alternative septic or sewer system on the lot. "I respectfully request, allow my family to remain on the parcel until 01/31/2026," Moskalchuk said. He also asked the board to cancel or reduce fines and, if possible, reimburse amounts already paid.
Board members questioned staff about the timeline and whether the city had given the owner opportunities to complete applications. Lopez said staff had provided instructions and that the building and planning departments had returned the owner’s application as incomplete; the city provided extensions and guidance but ultimately referred the case to the prosecutor when compliance did not occur.
After limited discussion, Board member Peters moved to declare the lot a public nuisance; Board member Carroll seconded the motion. The roll call recorded Peters voting aye, a second board member recorded as "Gray" voting aye, and Carroll voting aye. The motion carried.
Lopez said all costs associated with enforcement, including staff time and attorney fees, will be billed to the property owner through the city’s cost recovery procedures. The case file includes photographs, correspondence and administrative citation records; the owner’s appeal and supporting documents were added to the record.
The board adjourned the special meeting at 5:56 p.m.
Votes at a glance - Motion: Declare the vacant lot identified as APN 378-141-016 (Turnbull Avenue) a public nuisance. Moved by Board member Peters; second by Board member Carroll. Outcome: approved (ayes recorded: Peters, Gray, Carroll).
