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Twentynine Palms planning commission declares three properties public nuisances, authorizes abatement
Summary
The Planning Commission voted unanimously to declare three long-standing problem properties — 6664 Sahara Ave., 7535 Sherman Hoyt Ave., and 72083 Sunnyslope Dr. — as public nuisances and dangerous buildings, authorizing staff to pursue abatement and recover costs through liens if owners fail to act.
The Twentynine Palms Planning Commission on a unanimous vote declared three properties on the agenda public nuisances and authorized code enforcement to abate the sites and pursue cost recovery through liens.
Planning staff member Keith told the commission that 6664 Sahara Avenue has been subject to repeated violations dating back to 2009 and that "the owner is deceased" and staff had been "unable to find any successors in interest." He recommended declaring the structure a public nuisance and dangerous building so the city could require permits or proceed with demolition and abatement. "Any cost associated with this will eventually be reviewed by the city council, which would then be put on a lien on the property," Keith said.
At 7535 Sherman Hoyt Avenue, staff described extensive trash, boarded buildings and "over a 1,000 tires on this property." Staff said the owner had been contacted several times and had promised to address the problems but had made no substantive progress. For 72083 Sunnyslope Drive, staff described a fire-damaged, vacant building with hazards and said mailed notices had been returned and staff had not been able to reach an owner or confirm insurance coverage.
Commissioners asked whether owners were elderly or disabled and whether the city partners with social services or nonprofits to assist property owners; staff said the city attempts outreach and partners with local organizations when owners accept help but in these cases property conditions persisted and voluntary cleanup did not occur. The commission briefly opened public comment only to close it with no speakers for these items.
Each property was considered separately. The commission adopted staff recommendations and took roll-call votes to: declare 6664 Sahara Avenue a public nuisance and dangerous building; declare 7535 Sherman Hoyt Avenue a public nuisance and dangerous building; and declare 72083 Sunnyslope Drive a public nuisance and dangerous building. In each case the commission authorized code enforcement to proceed with abatement and specified that abatement costs could be brought before city council for placement as a lien on the property if unpaid.
The actions move the abatement process forward; the city will set deadlines for owners to cure violations and, if not resolved, proceed with demolition or cleanup and then seek cost recovery via lien and city council action.
