A single-family property in a beautiful Claremont neighborhood had been a focal point of several concerning health and safety issues. This included a deteriorated roof, mosquito infested spa, water damage, and electrical and fire issues. At one point, the property was vacant, abandoned, and partially destroyed. The property was an attractive nuisance to the residents in this well-maintained neighborhood, who desperately wanted the blighted appearance of the property immediately rehabilitated.
Before
The City attempted to gain the property owner’s voluntary compliance for years, but they largely ignored and disregarded all the City’s code enforcement efforts, which included numerous inspections, notices, and citations. In a final effort to work with the property owner, the City entered into a compliance agreement that required the property owner to complete all required remedial efforts on the property. While the property owner would try to complete some of the necessary remedial work, most of the work was completed without permits and not up to code.
Additionally, they were unwilling to cooperate, complete all the necessary remediation work, and unable to perform the full scope of remediation work necessary to restore the property. Due to the negligence of the property owner, the City was forced to act on the provisions of the compliance agreement and seek the appointment of a receiver.
A receiver was appointed over the property with stayed powers to give the property owner one final chance to bring the subject property into compliance. The receiver was to be immediately appointed if the property owner failed to comply with deadlines to obtain permits and key remedial efforts. The effect of the receiver’s stayed powers was enough to get the property owner to comply and stay on track with the required remediation.
After
The property was brought into compliance, sold to a responsible buyer, and the City was awarded cost recovery. The responsible buyers are utilizing it to the fullest and the community is restored. Civica Law is proud to serve over 40 communities just like this Claremont neighborhood for the health and safety of the public. Contact our experienced attorneys to restore the blighted, yet beautifully structured property in your community.
