HANDICAPPED ACCESS APPEALS BOARD

The City's Building Division enforces State disabled access laws for construction on private property, helping to protect the civil rights of disabled persons. Division staff members investigate complaints from the public, review architectural plans and inspect construction sites for access features, and review any requests for hardship exemptions from those laws. The large majority of these matters are resolved administratively by the Division Staff.

For unresolved matters, the Board will conduct special hearings when appeals of the Chief Building Officer's determinations are filed to the Board for consideration. Actions of this Board are not appealable to the City Council.

Mayor appoints and the City Council approves five members, in accordance with provisions of the California Health and Safety Code, to hear appeals of Building Department interpretations and enforcement of Title 24 Disabled Access Laws. Currently, there is a $400.00 fee for such an appeal, payable at the application filing time.

Person interested in obtaining more information about disabled access laws, and the Handicapped Access Appeal Board can contact the Building Division staff at (310) 318-0636 or at the public counter located in City Hall.

HOUSING ADVISORY AND APPEAL BOARD

This Board hears appeals of orders, decision or determinations for the Building Official relative to the application of the Uniform Housing Code. Persons wishing to file an appeal should refer to Chapter 12 of the Municipal Code for filing deadlines, format, processing, and scheduling requirements.

Board members are appointed by the Mayor and approved by the City Council. The City Council acts as a second Board of Appeals and has the power to overrule the decisions of the Board. The Board meets on call.