An administrative hearing board reviewed a complaint about accumulated materials at 3486 Sanford and set a compliance deadline of March 1, giving the property owner time to remove identified debris and equipment without fines if the work is completed on schedule.

Planning Department staff told the board the complaint prompted an inspection on Oct. 22 that showed materials in the backyard in apparent violation of code section 5 21 10 a (storage of junk). Staff said a notice with a Nov. 3 compliance deadline was issued, followed by a final notice on Nov. 13 and an inspection on Nov. 21 that still showed violations. "October 22 was the first inspection," a staff member said during the hearing.

Property owner Anita Hanslick, who identified herself at the hearing, said she inherited the property after her brother died and that probate delays and personal circumstances slowed cleanup. "I inherited this property," Hanslick said, describing recent efforts to clear items and move belongings into storage. She asked for time to finish removing specific piles and a trailer that contains a boat motor.

Board members and staff reviewed photographs during the hearing and identified the primary items that must be removed: a trailer with an old boat motor and assorted trash bags and materials in front of a lean-to, wire fencing and metal shelving behind the garage, and other engine and vehicle parts scattered on the lot. Staff told Hanslick the working John boat and operable antique tractors on the property are not considered junk and may remain if they are operable.

The hearing also addressed a pontoon-style houseboat on the property. Staff explained that a boat that is motorized and legally registered is treated as a stored boat; Hanslick said she could place a motor and registration on the houseboat or otherwise move it forward on the lot. The board indicated it would accept such a remedy if it met code requirements.

The hearing officer emphasized the enforcement goal is compliance, not punishment. "We're not trying to jam you up," the hearing officer said, offering to work with Hanslick on a schedule and to include provisions for short extensions by mutual agreement. The board said it would issue a written order summarizing what must be cleaned up, the compliance deadline and the agreement that no fines or costs will be assessed if the work is completed by March 1.

The board agreed to prepare and mail the order within about a week. If Hanslick demonstrates significant progress, staff said they may extend the deadline by mutual agreement; the board also noted weather or other practical obstacles could justify short additional time. The on-the-record portion of the hearing concluded after the parties confirmed the items to be removed and the compliance date.

What happens next: Staff will draft the order describing the required removals and the March 1 deadline and mail it to the owner. If the property is cleaned by that date, the board said no fines or costs will be imposed; if the deadline is not met and no extension has been agreed, the matter may return to the board for further enforcement action.