Board of Building Regulations Appeals Meeting – October 28, 2026

The Board of Building Regulations Appeals met on October 28, 2026 (note: the agenda and minutes list the meeting date as October 21, 2026; this summary uses the date provided in the instructions). The sole item was a hearing on an appeal of a Notice and Order to Vacate for 960 Russell Avenue. The appeal was denied unanimously, and the city's enforcement action was upheld.

Call to Order and Roll Call

• Chair David Cooper called the meeting to order at 4:02 PM. All five board members were present: Chair Cooper, Vice Chair Craig Lawson, and Board Members Janeen Casebeer, John Gordon, and Eric Miller.

Discussion Items

• Appeal of Administrative Notice and Order to Vacate – 960 Russell Avenue (APN 015-082-046)
  • Supervising Code Enforcement Officer Cassidy Anderson presented on behalf of Code Enforcement Officer Lizette Marquez, who was absent.
  • The appeal was filed by property owner Benjamin E. Mares Sr. (the appellant). The city requested that the board deny the appeal and uphold the September 2, 2026 Notice and Order to Vacate.
  • Staff detailed a history of code violations beginning in August 2022, including unpermitted demolition of the roof, interior walls, bathroom, and front portion of the dwelling (including the kitchen); lack of required building permits for electrical system modifications; and discontinuation of water service due to non-payment (later restored on September 15, 2026).
  • The notice to vacate was issued based on multiple violations of Santa Rosa City Code (Sections 18-20.301.2, 18-20.111.1.3, 18-16.105.1) and California Health and Safety Code Section 17920, including lack of hot and cold water, lack of cooking facilities, unsafe electrical conditions, and structural hazards.
  • Staff responded to board questions, clarifying that the order to vacate does not prevent repairs, and that permits and inspections could allow reoccupancy.
  • The appellant did not appear at the hearing; board members noted his absence and closed the opportunity for his presentation.
  • No public comments were received, either in person or submitted in advance.

Key Outcomes

• Motion: Board Member Miller moved, seconded by Board Member Casebeer, to deny the appeal and uphold the city's Notice and Order to Vacate.
• Vote: The motion carried 5-0 (Cooper, Lawson, Casebeer, Gordon, Miller all voting yes).
• Effect: The Chief Building Official's decision stands; the property at 960 Russell Avenue remains subject to the order to vacate. The meeting adjourned at 4:25 PM.