Board Of Building Regulations Appeals

City staff recommends the Board of Building Regulations Appeals deny the property owner's appeal and uphold the September 2, 2026 Notice to Vacate for 960 Russell Avenue. Since August 2022, the owner has repeatedly demolished portions of the house—including the kitchen, bathroom, and front walls—without permits or inspections, and made unpermitted electrical system modifications; despite multiple city efforts to assist with permitting over nearly four years, the owner has never submitted required plans or obtained the necessary permits, leaving the dwelling lacking a proper kitchen, safe electrical systems, and hot water service. The owner's arguments that water service has been restored, hazards have been secured, and debris removed do not address the core violations: unpermitted demolition and construction work that render the structure unsafe and unfit for human occupancy under city and state codes.