The Western Justice Center complied with the restrictions governing weddings and other private events at the historic Maxwell House on its campus, a city hearing officer determined following a review that revived a long-running dispute between the nonprofit and nearby residents.
Hearing Officer Paul Novak cited what he called an “extremely clean” code enforcement record before declining most of the proposed changes to the conditional use permit for the property at 55 S. Grand Ave.
“It seemed to suggest that, for the most part or as much as possible, they were complying with the conditions of approval,” Novak said at the Sept. 2 hearing.
The City Council granted final approval of the permit in April 2025, following months of controversy over weddings and other private events at the Maxwell House. Neighbors raised concerns about noise, parking, outdoor activity and the effect of commercial events on the surrounding residential area.
The permit allows up to 18 events annually and imposes limits on attendance, operating hours, amplified music and use of outdoor areas. It also requires designated parking, security personnel and on-site representatives.
City staff reviewed the first six months of operations under the permit, from Sept. 6, 2025, through March 6. The Western Justice Center held three regulated events during that period, all within the permitted hours and attendance limit of 125 people.
Code compliance officers inspected two of the events and found the designated parking lot open and in use, security guards present and no improper use of the rear patio. Staff also found that amplified indoor music ended before the required cutoff time.
One complaint alleged that guests parked along South Grand Avenue on Dec. 7, 2025. Staff determined the Western Justice Center was not hosting an event governed by the permit that day and could not establish that the parked vehicles were connected to the organization.
Western Justice Center Executive Director Elissa Barrett told Novak the organization had worked to respect neighboring residents.
“Our aim in this first reporting period has been to achieve full compliance, to operate with respect and regard for our residential neighbors, and to work well with the city,” Barrett said.
Attorney Richard McDonald, representing neighboring property owners, disputed the city’s findings and said residents continued to experience problems with street parking. He sought additional restrictions, including reducing the annual event limit from 18 to 12, lowering attendance and eliminating use of the outdoor patio.
McDonald also objected to the timing of the review, which occurred about 17 months after the permit received final approval. The permit, however, requires the center to file for the review within six months of the first regulated event rather than six months after approval.
Novak rejected the restrictions requested by McDonald, saying the record did not justify reducing either the number of events or the attendance limit.
“If they’re in compliance with both the conditions, I can’t see reducing the number of events or reducing the number of people,” Novak said.
Novak approved one staff-recommended clarification specifying that trainings, fundraisers, award ceremonies, luncheons and similar activities tied to the primary business activities of the Western Justice Center — and of the nonprofits that sublease office space on the campus — are not regulated by the event permit.
He rejected recommendations requiring monthly reports of every gathering at the property and changing the rules for removing catering and DJ equipment after events.
The decision may be appealed to the Board of Zoning Appeals through Sept. 14. If no appeal is filed, it takes effect Sept. 15.
A separate 12-month review will examine events and complaints received after March 6.
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