Asbestos-Ridden Building in Riverside County Demolished for Safety

Riverside County makeshift residence is demolished after court issues abatement warrant due to lack of property owner’s voluntary compliance.

In Riverside County, an abandoned and clearly makeshift building posing as a residence was a visual blight but posed an invisible danger. Neighbors complained multiple times to enforcement officials about an abandoned motor home and vehicle, unpermitted construction, broken fences and windows, and other substandard qualities on the property.

One of the final complaints included rat infestation, increasing accumulation of junk on the front lawn, vandalism, possible homeless encampments, and squatters who were setting fires. This prompted the County to urge the Court to issue an abatement warrant due to the immediate threat and risk to the public.

The County notified the property owner of the violations and provided a deadline and steps needed to reach compliance. Due to some hardships the owner was facing, the County agreed to extend its violation removal deadline twice, and offered a “One-Time Clean Up” assistance for trash and debris outside the property. The property owner expressed interest in this service; however, there was no response after multiple attempts to connect.

Now, the property’s substandard building is demolished, and the lot is up to code. The County’s costs and fees were absorbed by the property owner, and the neighborhood’s quality of life is improved and protected.

Public agencies seeking municipal law attorneys for unmatched legal support on inspection and abatement warrants should contact us! Need more case highlights? Sign up for our monthly newsletter to receive articles like these, legal updates, trainings, and more!