Developer Ordered To Inform Residents Of Downtown LA Building's Fire Code Violations

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — A week after a CBS2 investigation revealed that a downtown Los Angeles building has been cited for dozens of fire code violations, a judge ordered the owner of that building to notify tenants of the numerous fire hazards.

Fire inspectors in August cited the building, at 931 and 937 Pico Blvd., for numerous fire code violations, including dangerous electrical wiring and illegal construction work.

Inspectors said the space, which houses artists' lofts and offices, had been converted from industrial space into apartments "without the required permits and approvals."

Now, building owner Morad Neman has been ordered by a judge to notify residents of those violations, something many residents feel should have been done immediately.

"It's very unsafe and unjust for the people who are still living here," one such resident said.

Many of the violations cited by inspectors mirror those reported to have been found at the Oakland warehouse that caught fire earlier this month, killing 36 people.

For example, inspectors cited the loft and office building's wooden staircases as being a fire hazard. Inspectors also cited the loft and office building's wooden staircases as being a fire hazard. Inspectors additionally noted a lack of required portable fire extinguishers, fire alarms, smoke detectors and emergency signs. The property was also found to have insufficient access to fire escapes.

The judge has also told Neman that no events, such as holiday parties or concerts, can take place as long as the building is in violation of the fire code. Neman was additionally ordered to conduct fire watches every half-hour, around-the-clock.

Neman did not respond to a request for comment.

A hearing on the possibility of someone taking over management of the building is set for January.