BUILDING AND SAFETY DOCUMENTATION

The purpose of this Flow Sheet is to establish a verifiable and legally material record of building and safety violations in the Morongo Basin.  We want to begin this process from the first day of infractions in order to bring the reckless and illegal clearing and grading of property to an immediate halt.  Otherwise, it has been the common practice of many builders to proceed with their illegitimate activities until it becomes impossible to reverse the damage that is being done. 

BEFORE ANY LAND-CLEARING OR OTHER LAND ALTERING ACTIVITY CAN BEGIN ON A PROPERTY, REQUISITE PERMITS MUST BE OBTAINED, FOLLOWED BY OFFICIAL INSPECTIONS.   The purpose of this flow sheet is to help community members record and document attempted violations of this requirement.

The basic tool in this effort is a camera.  Immediately upon noticing ANY CONSTRUCTION PRESENCE WHATSOEVER, including workers, machinery or building supplies, etc., photographs should be taken from several angles, noting the location and direction of the photograph (looking north from Cactus St., etc.)  If no address is posted, map nearby houses and cross streets.  One clue regarding impending activity is markers or stakes on the property, or a survey team at the property.  Without trespassing, begin the picture taking immediately.   Start a log of the activity including date, time of day, and fully label the back of the photographs as soon as possible.

Contact the e-mail address shown below or the telephone numbers that will be given later.  The above information and documentation will be quickly taken to the building and safety office.  THE OFFICE WILL THEN BE REQUESTED TO SIGN AND DATE THE MATERIAL, PROVIDE INFORMATION ABOUT THE STATUS OF THE PROJECT, AND DECLARE THEIR NEXT COURSE OF ACTION!

If building activity progresses, continue to take pictures including landmarks where feasible.  Record things like bulldozing, excavating, and uprooting of vegetation.  Try to estimate the size and type of vegetation being disturbed.   By this time others should become available to help assess and document further details.  Eventually it is planned to map and log all building and safety matters relevant to the property.  Note that NIGHTTIME ACTIVITY can and should be reported to the Sheriff.

Remember to be courteous and to take care not to trespass.  However, don’t be deterred if you suspect a violation is occurring.

ESPECIALLY AND IMPORTANTLY, SPREAD THE WORD AND PASS OUT THIS FLOWSHEET TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS IN THE AREA!!

Contact for more information: hbowkley@mbconservation.org.