Cerritos property commission adopts five nuisance-abatement resolutions for properties across city

The Cerritos Property Preservation Commission on March 25 adopted five resolutions finding properties in violation of Cerritos Municipal Code chapter 6.2 and setting abatement periods to require repairs, landscape work or removal of debris and visible trash cans.

The five properties are in the 11000 block of Bingham Street; the 13700 block of Kyle Drive; the 17400 block of Greystone Avenue; the 11200 block of Lucas Street; and the 18000 block of Pires Avenue. Each resolution passed on a 4-0 vote with Commissioner Vassan excused.

Staff presented inspection histories and photographs for each property and recommended formal action when repeated notices and follow-up inspections showed no sustained compliance. The commission adopted: Resolution PPC 2025-14 (Bingham Street) with a 30-day abatement period; PPC 2025-17 (Kyle Drive) with a seven-day abatement period; PPC 2025-15 (Greystone Avenue) with a 30-day abatement period; PPC 2025-16 (Lucas Street) with a 21-day abatement period; and PPC 2025-18 (Pires Avenue) with a 21-day abatement period.

11000 block of Bingham Street: Officer Artema Kim told the commission that inspections beginning June 6, 2024, documented trash cans stored in front of a side gate, a vehicle repeatedly parked on grass in front of the side gate, holiday lights remaining on trim, wood trim and beams needing repair and paint, and rusted wrought-iron gates. Kim said staff left multiple door tags and mailed notices through September 2024 and into 2025 with little response; the property was posted for hearing on March 11. Kevin Curry, who identified himself as the homeowner, told the commission he recently had surgery and asked for leniency, saying he had been trying to secure contractors. Curry said, "I'm appalled by the fact that I'm here today." Staff recommended adoption of Resolution PPC 2025-14 with a 30-day abatement period; the commission approved it 4-0. Staff told the commission it remains willing to work with homeowners who show unusual circumstances.

13700 block of Kyle Drive: Officer Lane Bryant reported that, after a complaint, staff observed debris, tarps and other materials around the property and a white van that appeared inoperable; records showed six prior resolutions on similar violations for this address. Bryant said multiple notifications were mailed and the property was posted for a public hearing on March 11. A family member who identified himself as Daniel said the household was dealing with health and financial issues and that they were trying to clean and obtain a resolution. Bryant recommended adoption of Resolution PPC 2025-17 with a seven-day abatement period; the commission adopted it 4-0.

17400 block of Greystone Avenue: Officer Artema Kim reported wood trim, beams and front siding in need of repair and paint with multiple mailed notices dating to October 2024. The property owner called after the hearing was posted and told staff he plans to change siding to stucco and complete work by summertime; staff advised he obtain required approvals from Community Development before beginning work. Staff recommended adoption of Resolution PPC 2025-15 with a 30-day abatement period; the commission approved it 4-0.

11200 block of Lucas Street: Kim said inspections since July 2024 documented lack of adequate ground cover on the front yard and parkway, visible weeds and dead vegetation, accumulation of pine needles and a vehicle parked on a planter. The owner spoke with staff and said she was pursuing a drought-tolerant landscape and would consult Community Development about the plan; Kim said staff would work with her beyond the 21-day abatement if needed. The commission adopted Resolution PPC 2025-16 with a 21-day abatement period, 4-0.

18000 block of Pires Avenue: Officer Lane Bryant reported inspections beginning September 2024 that documented bare parkways and front yard and, in a March inspection, trash cans visible in front of a gate. Bryant said the tenant contacted staff after the property was posted and agreed to store trash cans behind the gate and notify the owner about gate painting; staff recommended adoption of Resolution PPC 2025-18 with a 21-day abatement period. The commission adopted that resolution 4-0.

Throughout the meeting staff and the chair emphasized the city’s notification process: door tags, mailed notices and, when required by the municipal code, posting a notice in the front yard before a case is heard by the Property Preservation Commission. Chairperson Young told a speaker who expressed fear of eviction that the city was not seeking to remove homeowners and that the postings are a legal-notice requirement. Staff reiterated it will work with homeowners who document unusual circumstances.

Each of the five resolutions cites Cerritos Municipal Code chapter 6.2 as the basis for finding a property nuisance and directing abatement. The commission’s formal motions were brief and recorded as unanimous 4-0 votes. The meeting concluded with farewell remarks from outgoing commissioners and an adjournment.

Votes at a glance: - PPC 2025-14 — 11000 block of Bingham Street: violations reported June 6, 2024–March 2025; 30-day abatement; adopted 4-0. - PPC 2025-17 — 13700 block of Kyle Drive: debris/tarps and inoperable vehicle; history of six prior resolutions; 7-day abatement; adopted 4-0. - PPC 2025-15 — 17400 block of Greystone Avenue: wood trim/siding needing repair; owner plans stucco; 30-day abatement; adopted 4-0. - PPC 2025-16 — 11200 block of Lucas Street: bare areas, weeds and dead vegetation; owner pursuing drought-tolerant plan; 21-day abatement; adopted 4-0. - PPC 2025-18 — 18000 block of Pires Avenue: bare parkways and visible trash cans; tenant engaged with staff; 21-day abatement; adopted 4-0.

Staff contact information and next steps were not included on the record beyond staff offers to assist homeowners; commissioners thanked staff and outgoing members before adjourning.