A temporary black fabric fence was installed around the property. (photo by Edwin Folven)

The city of Los Angeles is working to address a home at the southeast corner of La Jolla Avenue and Clinton Street where excessive storage and debris in the yard have prompted numerous complaints.

A single-family home at the site was partially damaged by a fire but a portion remains inhabitable. The city and county are attempting to find a way to help the elderly occupant, who has declined assistance.

“We have been trying for years to get this property owner the help he needs. In the meantime, the status quo is completely unacceptable,” read a statement from Leo Daube, spokesman for Los Angeles City Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky, 5th District. “Our attempts at securing code compliance fall into a gap between enforcement and the county’s responsibility for adult protective services and public health.”

Daube did not have the name of the property owner. The council office and the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety have received numerous complaints about the property, he said.

The LADBS has issued numerous code violations during the past five years involving excessive outdoor storage. Requests for further information from the LADBS on the status of the violations were not answered by press time.

A temporary black fabric fence that mostly conceals the yard from the street was installed overnight between Sept. 14-15. Attempts by the Beverly Press to reach the individual living at the site were unsuccessful.

The Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector confirmed the owner is delinquent on property taxes for 2022 and 2023, but said properties must be delinquent on taxes for more than five years to be eligible for seizure and auction.

“We will continue to monitor the property’s status and ensure all adjustments are accurately reflected in our records,” read a statement from the Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector.

In the meantime, the city will continue attempts to address the situation and plans to work with the county in an attempt to get the occupant help and conditions at the property remediated, Daube added.