Long Beach building commission issues formal warning after repeated unpermitted work and dune damage

The Long Beach Building Commission voted July 10 to send a formal warning letter to JCG Builders after finding repeated unpermitted construction and significant dune damage tied to a Lakeshore Drive property. Commissioners said citations and escalating daily fines already issued will continue until a restoration plan and other corrective measures are filed.

Commission Chair led the discussion after staff reported that work at 1528 Lakeshore Drive exceeded the scope of an earlier permit. Inspectors found that a deck had been entirely removed and replaced with concrete walls and a steel support network — work that had not been inspected or permitted. The commission previously issued a stop‑work order for the site and has declined to consider additional permits on the project while fines remain unpaid.

Legal counsel told the commission that stronger sanctions (probation, hearing and potential revocation of registration) require due‑process steps and a formal hearing. Counsel recommended, and the commission approved, a written warning as a final amicable attempt to secure compliance before initiating more formal enforcement.

Jordan Gaxko of JCG Builders, who appeared at the meeting and submitted a written apology, addressed commissioners. In a letter read into the record, Jordan said he “regret[s] that I did not handle this administrative requirement properly” and pledged to provide documentation and bring projects into compliance. At the meeting he added, “I made a mistake,” and said he would cooperate with town staff.

Commissioners described the dune incident as a separate, serious violation. Staff said a homeowner‑site had been observed plowing a six‑ to seven‑foot dune, including dune grass, into the lake; citations were issued and fines were described as escalating (initial daily fines were cited starting at $1,000 then $2,500, with each day treated as a new violation). Legal counsel and staff said restoration plans must be submitted and acknowledged that full repair work might not be feasible until the fall; enforcement tools remain available if the town’s requirements are not met.

The commission directed staff and counsel to draft the warning letter and circulate it to commissioners for final sign‑off. Commissioners stressed that the warning is intended as a last step before hearings and stronger sanctions if further violations occur. The stop‑work order on the unpermitted Lakeshore Drive construction remains in effect until the commission or its designee reviews a compliant site plan and outstanding fines are addressed.

The commission also discussed administrative next steps: withholding review of permits from contractors with unresolved fines, confirming the status of citations, and the mechanics of daily fines and notices. The matter will return to the commission if staff determines the warning letter does not produce sufficient corrective action.