Neighborhood Code Compliance Working with La Jolla Shores Property Owner to Resolve Issues

To the Editor:

In response to published on Aug. 11, 2012, Mr. Whitney's first contact with my office about the status of the alleged code violations was on Aug. 6, 2012 after close of business.

On Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2012, we contacted the City’s Neighborhood Code Compliance Department for an update on the status of the alleged violations. 

The Neighborhood Code Compliance Department is under the direction and control of the Mayor's office and prioritizes violations based on whether they constitute an imminent health and safety hazard or environmental concern. Lower-level violations, such as unpermitted garage conversions, are addressed as time and staffing levels allow. With these types of violations, the department works with the property owner to resolve the issues before assessing any penalties or fines. 

The Neighborhood Code Compliance Department has informed my office that they are working with the property owners at 2210 and 2226 Avenida de la Playa to address the outstanding issues and to bring the properties into compliance.

Nearly all the mixed-use buildings in the La Jolla Shores Commercial Center are previously conforming uses or structures, which means that regulations may have changed since the buildings were built. Some of the business owners in the Shores may remember when all of the sidewalk cafes were cited for not being permitted and how the Neighborhood Code Compliance Department worked with us to affordably get the appropriate permits without any fines or penalties and without shutting down the businesses.

Finally, in response to Mr. Whitney's last question; it is up to the community to determine who is eligible to serve on the volunteer community planning association and its subcommittees. I know the La Jolla Community Planning Association Board takes their responsibility to the community very seriously.

Sherri S. Lightner

Councilmember, First District, City of San Diego