Neighbors accuse owner of doctored plans and illegal additions at 135 El Camino Del Mar; DBI says matter referred to city attorney

Neighbors of 135 El Camino Del Mar told the Building Inspection Commission they believe the property owner submitted fraudulent or doctored plans and completed multiple illegal additions despite notices of violation. Residents presented photographs showing windows, completed roofing and other work after stop-work orders.

Renee Simone said the rear and lower additions were constructed without permits and that DBI'issued notices of violation did not stop the work. "This is a lot more than minor caulking," she said while describing photos that showed extensive exterior work and a livable-looking site after two notices had already been issued.

Inspector Edward Sweeney (Inspector Sweeney in transcript) told the commission the additions are illegal; the back addition has contested elements, but the side and front additions are illegal. He said the department had visited the site several times, issued notices and referred the case to the city attorney. He also said the property owner had presented doctored plans showing a third floor where none existed, which delayed enforcement until staff discovered the discrepancy and began issuing notices.

Neighbor Rodney Grevey asked the commission to compel the owner to restore the property to its preexisting condition and to issue an additional notice for the weekend work that completed a large portion of the structure; commissioners asked staff to provide an update at the next meeting. Inspector Sweeney said a director's hearing is scheduled for the following month and the matter will likely be taken to litigation.