In a recent development addressing the issue of unsafe housing for college students in San Diego, the City Attorney's Office has settled a civil enforcement action against the proprietors of The Carl, a nearby University of San Diego (USD) housing complex. According to a City Attorney's Office, students were leased apartments without a working fire alarm system before issuing a valid Certificate of Occupancy, putting their safety at risk.
The legal action was initiated in December 2023 against Mogaford Capital Group LLC, doing business as Crawford Design & Development, and several associated defendants. Despite the gravity of these allegations, the settlement includes financial penalties and the reimbursement of investigative costs amounting to $5,583.44 to be paid to the city. The lawsuit underscored the complex's rentals that could go for up to $4,200 per month, highlighting the stark discrepancy between the high costs and potentially unsafe living conditions.
In the settlement, civil penalties against the property owners initially stood at $200,000. However, these could escalate up to $1,275,000 if the defendants fail to comply with state and local laws. To enforce the settlement, a stipulated judgment requires the property owners to correct all remaining building violations within a specified timeframe.
The Nuisance Abatement Unit of the City Attorney's Office, in collaboration with the City’s Building and Land Use Enforcement Division and the Fire Department, played an integral role in addressing the violations at The Carl. The enforcement action against The Mogaford Capital Group and the others involved is a telling example of the city's enforcement of public nuisance and land use laws to protect residents’ well-being. Those concerned about their living conditions are encouraged to contact the City’s Building and Land Use Enforcement Division for assistance.
