The magistrate found that a carport or garage converted into living quarters at 15447 San Diego Drive required permits and that, as of the hearing, required permits had not been obtained on the current case file.

Realtor and trustee Zia Shaukat told the magistrate there had been a long history of attempts to obtain permits, that a lot split and Health Department septic requirements had delayed progress, and that the owner had recently paid fees and believed documents had been submitted. Town permitting staff, however, reported no current application in the town’s permitting system as of Nov. 24. Magistrate Barnard said she would give 30 days to obtain an active building permit application and noted that permit issuance — not merely application — is the trigger for compliance with the code.

Because the magistrate found the respondent in violation, she required compliance by Jan. 2, 2026, or a $250 per day fine would begin to accrue; a fine‑assessment hearing was set for Jan. 5, 2026, if the permit is not issued. She also assessed administrative costs of $234.05 for the hearing. The magistrate encouraged the owner to work with their contractor and the permitting office to confirm the town’s receipt of any application and to bring proof at the next hearing if there are disputes over whether documents were submitted.

Next steps: Owner must either obtain issuance of the required building permit or return with evidence of timely and proper application; the town will schedule a fine assessment hearing if the deadline is missed.