CITY OF BISHOP
REDTAG
Property: Chamber of Commerce building
Address: 690 N. Main Street, Bishop, CA 93514
Date: August 05, 2025
Property: Chamber of Commerce Building
Address: 690 N. Main Street, Bishop, CA 93514
Prepared by:
David G. Lackyard,
ICBO Certified Inspector #8067775, GC #764716
Willdan Engineering
Email: [email protected] | Phone: (909) 659-6610
Contact:
Nora Gamino
Director of Public Works
Phone: (760) 873-8458
Email: [email protected]
1. Introduction
This report documents findings from a life-safety inspection of the Chamber of Commerce Building, conducted on behalf of the City of Bishop Department of Building and Safety. The building consists of:
- North Section: An original A-frame structure, which includes a checkout counter and retail sales area.
Exterior restrooms are attached but currently closed due to disrepair. - South Expansion Area: A later addition constructed over a stream maintained by LADWP, which flows west to east along the southern side of the building.
It is noted that at the time of its construction, the southern expansion was likely in full compliance with required setbacks from the water’s edge. However, over the years, ongoing erosion has caused the stream to encroach directly against the structure, significantly compromising its foundation integrity.
2. Hazard Conditions
- The expansion area (southern portion) is constructed on pier-and-beam framing with a concrete masonry unit (CMU) perimeter wall.
- Currently, approximately 60% of the cantilevered portion of the foundation has been undermined by the stream’s erosion.
- The watercourse now directly abuts the CMU foundation wall, putting the structure at imminent risk of collapse due to:
- Loss of bearing support
- Soil displacement and scouring
- Unstable footings
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City of Bishop Department of Building and Safety
3. Recommendation
It is my professional opinion that:
- The southern expansion area is unsafe for occupancy and must be immediately evacuated. - A Red-Tag Order should be issued for this portion of the building due to the structural risk posed by stream undermining.
- A full structural evaluation must be conducted by a California-licensed Structural Engineer or Architect to assess safety and remediation options.
4. Building Status Summary
Building Portion Status Reasoning
A-frame (North) Occupancy Permitted Not affected by erosion; no structural deficiencies
observed.
Expansion (South) Red-Tag Recommended Stream erosion has undermined foundation;
structure unsafe for
occupancy.
5. Code Authority and Enforcement
This recommendation is based on the following provisions:
- CBC §116 – Unsafe Structures and Equipment
- California Health and Safety Code §17920.3 – Substandard Buildings - CBC §105 – Permits Required (future repair work)
- City of Bishop Municipal Code and applicable ordinances The City of Bishop Building Department shall post a Red-Tag Notice and require immediate evacuation of the affected area. No re-occupancy shall occur without structural clearance and proper permits.
6. Next Steps
- Red-Tag Order: To be posted for the expansion area (southern portion). - Evacuation: Immediate removal of all occupants from the red-tagged area. - Engineering Evaluation: Submit stamped report from a licensed engineer/architect within 15 calendar days.
- Permit Process: Any future structural remediation requires a full permit review through the City of Bishop.
- Monitoring: City officials will continue to monitor the condition pending further assessment and remediation.
7. City Contact Information
City of Bishop – Department of Building and Safety
377 West Line Street, Bishop, CA 93514
Phone: (760) 873-5863 / Website: www.cityofbishop.com
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