The City of Reno has designated The Lucky Motel on E. 4th Street as 'unsafe to occupy' due to significant life-safety and code compliance concerns.
The property was originally approved and permitted as a motel. The property owner, FBGM Investments, LLC, recently contracted with Marmot Properties to convert the motel to apartment-style units. The City says the conversions took place without any permits, inspections, or safety approvals required for residential occupancy. Further, there are no sprinkler systems, as required by law. As a result, the City says the building does not meet the standards necessary to ensure resident safety.
Despite not having final inspections required for occupancy, 21 households were moved into the building. The City is working closely with regional partners, including Washoe County Social Services, Veterans of America, Reno Housing Authority and other service providers, to assist all residents with housing relocation, personal property storage, and other support. All 21 veteran and family households will have alternative housing by the end of the day.
"The City of Reno takes seriously its responsibility to ensure that residents occupy safe buildings. The legal requirements of building permits, plan review, and inspections exist to ensure buildings meet important fire, electrical, structural, and life-safety requirements designed to protect occupants and the community."
(City of Reno contributed to this report.)
