Building Standards Board - 2026-04-09
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Building Standards Board Panel B heard six property cases on April 9, 2026. The most significant decision was granting 90 days for repair of the main structure at 725 Roper St. (a 1935 commercial-zoned property with failed pier and beam foundation) while ordering demolition of two accessory structures within 30 days. The board also ordered demolition of properties at 2402 Hicks Ave. 2, 1728 El Monte Blvd., 312 Fight Alley, and 206 Menifee Blvd., and reset the case for 1918 McCullough Ave. to allow the owner time to find a new contractor after his previous contractor passed away.
Key Decisions (6)
Repair Order for 725 Roper St. Main Structure with Demolition of Accessories
The board found the main structure at 725 Roper St. (NCB 1173, Block 2, Lot 13, Council District 2) owned by Jose Alberto Guajardo is a public nuisance feasible to repair. The 2,504 sq ft commercial-zoned structure built in 1935 with 1955 addition has failed pier and beam foundation, deteriorated roof, and structural separation. Owner presented foundation repair contract, engineer's letter, and blueprints. Accessory structures (woodshed and carport) ordered demolished. Property is within 1,000 feet of Pershing Elementary.
Reset for 1918 McCullough Ave.
Commercial tire shop property owned by Polinard Herbert Lawrence (5107 Village Way mailing address) in Council District 1. Structure has detaching brick siding, multiple cracks, collapsing ceiling, and electrical hazards from extension cords. Owner appeared stating contractor Mr. Allison recently passed away and needs time to find replacement. Owner presented 12-page stamped engineer's report. Property is C2 commercial zoning with active tire shop tenant.
Demolition Order for 2402 Hicks Ave. 2 (Building 2)
Accessory structure at 2402 Hicks Ave. 2 (NCB 7543, Block 29, Lot 9) in Council District 2, owned by Carla Jean Gonzaba (408 Cosgrove St.). Single-story commercial accessory with deteriorated wooden framing, collapsed overhang, graffiti vandalism, and holes in roof system. Located within 1,000 feet of Highlands High School. Owner present and agreed to demolition.
Demolition Order for 1728 El Monte Blvd. Accessory Structure
Accessory structure at 1728 El Monte Blvd. (NCB 9085, Block 184) in Council District 1, owned by Bertha Hernandez. Single-story structure with slab foundation, wooden siding, and gable roof. Roof system collapsing with multiple holes, wooden siding severely deteriorated and detaching. Interior full of trash, tires, and debris causing egress issues. Owner's son Juan Rodriguez appeared requesting to demolish himself.
Demolition Order for 312 Fight Alley
Vacant 1,020 sq ft wooden residential structure at 312 Fight Alley (NCB 2418, Block C) in Council District 5, owned by Estevan Ignacio Jureta (738 Edgebrook Ln.). Structure has fire damage to overhang and roof shingles, holes in roof decking, cracked cement skirting showing foundation shifting, partially collapsed porch covering, and charred wood members. No utilities connected. Located within 1,000 feet of Sidney Lanier High School.
Demolition Order for 206 Menifee Blvd.
Commercial structure at 206 Menifee Blvd. (NCB 3696, Block 37, Lot 34) in Council District 5, owned by Rodriguez Andrea estate. Structure located next to active railroad with no utilities. Multiple warrant executions found unauthorized individuals inside. Extensive water damage, sagging roof members, holes in exterior walls, and large amounts of trash and debris. Sister Eileen Lopez requested reset to sell property but was unable to attend.
Development Activity (1)
Proposed Condos at 1918 McCullough Ave.
Owner stated he has architectural plans for a seven-unit condo development with commercial and residential mixed-use, partial car parking. Bank financing in line but waiting for lower interest rates.
Market Signals (3)
Housing Demand
Property owner at 1918 McCullough Ave. noted new condos built around the area are creating pressure to redevelop commercial properties, suggesting gentrification pressure in the McCullough corridor.
Infrastructure
Multiple properties presented had no active water or electrical utilities, indicating prevalence of vacant and abandoned structures in Districts 1, 2, and 5.
Sentiment
Board expressed concern about deconstruction requirements and requested educational presentation from Office of Historic Preservation, suggesting regulatory complexity around demolition of pre-1945 structures.