Lake Elsinore Crime-Ridden Property is Vacated and Removed
A severely substandard, single-family residence was littered with significant health and safety...
A severely dilapidated Crescent City home finds new owner thanks to work of Civica Law attorneys.
A severely dilapidated abandoned home in Crescent City is getting a second chance thanks to a court-appointed receiver and the hard work of Civica Law attorneys Lauren Brown and Natalie Sahagún.
Over time, the property had received numerous violations from code enforcement officers and City building officials. The front yard was dangerously overgrown, with unkempt trees, debris, and weeds extending several feet into the air and onto public sidewalks, causing both blight and a serious fire risk to the nearby neighborhood. Noticeable damage to the home could be observed from the street, including jagged holes forming on the metal garage door and worsening decay of the roof, causing panels underneath to start to sheer off, exposing untreated wood to the environment.
Attempts to get in touch with the property owner or next of kin were futile. It was discovered that both the owner and their son had sadly passed away, meaning that no one was currently caring for the home. Ultimately, the City was unable to contact someone who would take responsibility for the property.
With the help of Civica Law, an inspection warrant was obtained, allowing officers to enter the property. While the outside of the property was blighted, inspectors found an interior in serious decay. There were holes in drywall, deteriorating ceiling and flooring, and serious dilapidation that posed a risk not just to those inside the property, but also to neighboring homes as well.
As a result, the City issued a Notice and Order to Repair or Abate, citing 40 code violations and nuisance conditions, including:
- Extremely unsanitary conditions
- Substantial accumulation of junk, trash, and debris
- Rodent infestation and harborage
- Visual blight
- Conditions dangerous to first responders
The property was subsequently red-tagged, and the Court appointed a Receiver to take responsibility for its care. Several months later, a buyer for the property was secured to take full responsibility for bringing it up to full compliance. Through the sale, the City was able to recover all costs.
With new owners and a new outlook, a once blighted property has been given a new life. This is another example of how code enforcement professionals, local government, and the Courts work in unison to better our communities.
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Legal Disclaimer: This blog provides updates and insight on current municipal legislation and is not intended as legal advice. For specific legal advice related to hoarding house compliance assistance or any other municipal law issues, please contact Civica Law directly.
