Fresno Building Standards Appeal Board Meeting – August 25, 2026

The Building Standards Appeal Board met on August 25, 2026. All five members were present: Chair Golek, Vice Chair Vincent, and Board Members Field, Ransom, and Mears. The board approved the agenda and consent calendar, granted 60-day continuances in two code enforcement cases, and received a Robert's Rules of Order refresher. The meeting adjourned at approximately 1:36 p.m.

Consent Calendar

• The board approved the August 4th building standards unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were offered during the general public comment period or during scheduled/unscheduled oral communication.

Discussion Items

Case E25-1380 – 3436 North Virginia Lane

• The case concerned a notice and order issued November 5, 2025, and a citation issued March 24, 2026.
• Staff requested a 60-day continuance because an inspection scheduled with the Planning Department for August 12 did not occur. Staff said it agreed with the appellant's position.
• Appellant Caterina Pardo said she shares the house with her cousin, had taken time off work for the third time, and that the missed inspection was frustrating. She said she appreciated the 60-day continuance and was ready to work on compliance with a contractor.
• Board members expressed concern about repeated missed inspections and encouraged the building official to investigate the scheduling system.
• The board unanimously approved a 60-day continuance.

Case E25-16660 – 1347 East Shields Avenue

• The case concerned a notice and order issued January 2, 2026.
• Deputy City Attorney Christina Pinya said the appellant, Ms. Porter, could not attend because she was in the Bay Area, but agreed with the recommendation.
• Pinya recommended the board find that substantial progress had been made and continue the hearing to a later date. She noted there had been no physical progress on the home, but the consultation with planning was a significant step.
• At the June 2, 2026 hearing, the board affirmed the notice and order, found a covered patio and an enclosed patio had been added without required plans, permits, and inspections, and ordered the violations cured within 30 days.
• On July 2, 2026, a planning consultation and residential ADU assessment checklist were completed. A bedroom originally permitted in 1949 had been converted into a second unit, and a kitchen, restroom, and unpermitted patio had been added or converted without permits.
• Pinya said Ms. Porter was waiting for a determination on which code year applies (2005 vs. 2026) from the Building and Safety Division. Board members questioned how the board could set a timeline before that determination was made and asked staff to ensure Ms. Porter received clear notice.
• The board unanimously approved a 60-day continuance; staff said it would call Ms. Porter that day.

Workshop: Robert's Rules of Order

• Planning department staff presented a refresher on Robert's Rules of Order, covering meeting structure, the chairperson's role, motions, public comment, and recordkeeping.
• In response to board questions, the presenter confirmed that the five-member board has a quorum of three, and that a majority of those present can act; he recalled one past two-to-one vote with a three-member quorum.
• The presenter said votes may be taken by voice or roll call, usually at the chairperson's discretion or at a member's request for complex or contentious matters.
• The presenter agreed that after a vote is taken, the hearing on that item is closed and no further formal discussion should occur.

Key Outcomes

• The agenda was approved as published unanimously.
• The consent calendar was approved unanimously.
• A 60-day continuance was granted in Case E25-1380 concerning 3436 North Virginia Lane.
• A 60-day continuance was granted in Case E25-16660 concerning 1347 East Shields Avenue.
• Interim Building Official Bill Hayes introduced himself during the secretary's report.
• No public comment was offered, and the meeting adjourned at approximately 1:36 p.m.