Board finds repeat violation after fire crews could not open emergency gate at Oakley Seaver apartment

The City of Claremont Code Enforcement Board on March 16 found Sunshine Properties LLC in repeat violation after evidence showed an emergency gate at 831 Oakley Seaver Drive failed to open during a fire‑department response, potentially restricting emergency access.

Staff presented photographs, a short video and emails from the fire department documenting the response. Staff said the incident occurred Feb. 4 and that the gate’s “click-to-enter” system was not opening for first‑responder radios even though the receiver was receiving a signal. Staff recommended a finding of violation and imposition of fines because the property was not in compliance at the time of the hearing.

A fire‑department witness and staff referenced an email from Amber Butler, the fire inspector, and a battalion chief who responded. A property representative, Corinne Edinger, said the property is a 144‑unit building that was compliant before the incident, described the complexities of access control on a large site and said she had arranged for a vendor to test and repair the gate. Edinger said the vendor tested the system with the fire inspector and that a permanent maintenance contract was being pursued.

A board member moved to find the respondent in repeat violation, order correction by March 16 (staff recommendation) and impose a one‑time $500 fine for the Feb. 4 failure plus a $500 daily fine if the violation recurs after March 17; the motion passed.

The board emphasized the safety risk from impeded emergency access and instructed the respondent to coordinate testing and repairs with fire‑department staff to ensure ongoing operability. The order allows code enforcement to pursue repeat‑violation fines if the issue recurs.