Latest news with #codeenforcement
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Florida Homeowner Says Neighbor Reported 8-Inch Grass 'Because It Looks Bad' — Now She's Facing A $5,000 Fine Despite No Rule On Height
Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below. A Florida homeowner says she's been slapped with a potential $5,000 fine after a neighbor reported her for having grass that was "too tall"—specifically 8 inches. The catch? There's no actual law about grass height in her area. "It's just dirt and sand," she wrote in a Reddit post. "The grass my builder put in is bad, so it only grows in certain areas." The homeowner, who lives outside an homeowners association, said this was her second violation, and city code enforcement warned that a third could escalate to the Code Enforcement Board and result in a fine of up to $5,000. Don't Miss: Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing — Peter Thiel turned $1,700 into $5 billion—now accredited investors are eyeing this software company with similar breakout potential. Learn how you can And while the code enforcement officer left a violation notice, the city couldn't point to any clear rule she broke. According to her, there's no defined maximum height for grass—just vague wording about how it looks compared to neighboring properties. "It's based on the officer's judgment," she said. "They told me they base violations on comparisons to my neighbor's lawn." One Redditor replied with what many were thinking: "Wow, they reported you just because it looked bad? I have neighbors who let their weeds overtake their lawn and mine and still wouldn't call." The first violation happened during a stretch when her lawnmower had been recalled, and the second came during a period of declining health. She said she figured as long as it stayed under "a ruler length," she'd be fine. Trending: Invest early in CancerVax's breakthrough tech aiming to disrupt a $231B market. Now, she's exploring a legal workaround: converting her yard into a certified Florida native habitat, which is protected under Florida's SB 82 (2019) and other landscaping laws. These protect edible gardens, wildflowers, and native plant restoration efforts from local government restrictions. "One user recommended I convert my front lawn into a wildlife habitat," she wrote. "I want to get written confirmation from the city and put up a sign citing the law." She's also planning to speak with the zoning supervisor after being transferred by a confused staff member who had never heard of native habitat certification. In a follow-up, she thanked commenters for their support: "I didn't think anyone would care, but I'm so glad I reached out to this sub. You restore more of my faith in humanity." , In Florida, cities can legally fine homeowners for overgrown grass—if their local code defines a clear violation. But when no height is specified, enforcement becomes subjective. In one case reported by the Tampa Bay Times, a federal court upheld $30,000 in fines against a Dunedin homeowner for tall grass, though he planned to appeal. While fines like these can hold up legally, vague ordinances—like the one this homeowner describes—leave room for challenge, especially when violations are based on appearance rather than measurable rules. It's one thing to get fined by the city. It's another when the call is coming from just down the block. Whether it's lawn height, flowerbeds, or the wrong shade of yellow paint, the real challenge isn't just code enforcement—it's waking up each day next to someone who weaponizes it. Read Next: With Point, you can This Jeff Bezos-backed startup will allow you to . Image: Shutterstock This article Florida Homeowner Says Neighbor Reported 8-Inch Grass 'Because It Looks Bad' — Now She's Facing A $5,000 Fine Despite No Rule On Height originally appeared on
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Florida Homeowner Says Neighbor Reported 8-Inch Grass 'Because It Looks Bad' — Now She's Facing A $5,000 Fine Despite No Rule On Height
Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below. A Florida homeowner says she's been slapped with a potential $5,000 fine after a neighbor reported her for having grass that was "too tall"—specifically 8 inches. The catch? There's no actual law about grass height in her area. "It's just dirt and sand," she wrote in a Reddit post. "The grass my builder put in is bad, so it only grows in certain areas." The homeowner, who lives outside an homeowners association, said this was her second violation, and city code enforcement warned that a third could escalate to the Code Enforcement Board and result in a fine of up to $5,000. Don't Miss: Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing — Peter Thiel turned $1,700 into $5 billion—now accredited investors are eyeing this software company with similar breakout potential. Learn how you can And while the code enforcement officer left a violation notice, the city couldn't point to any clear rule she broke. According to her, there's no defined maximum height for grass—just vague wording about how it looks compared to neighboring properties. "It's based on the officer's judgment," she said. "They told me they base violations on comparisons to my neighbor's lawn." One Redditor replied with what many were thinking: "Wow, they reported you just because it looked bad? I have neighbors who let their weeds overtake their lawn and mine and still wouldn't call." The first violation happened during a stretch when her lawnmower had been recalled, and the second came during a period of declining health. She said she figured as long as it stayed under "a ruler length," she'd be fine. Trending: Invest early in CancerVax's breakthrough tech aiming to disrupt a $231B market. Now, she's exploring a legal workaround: converting her yard into a certified Florida native habitat, which is protected under Florida's SB 82 (2019) and other landscaping laws. These protect edible gardens, wildflowers, and native plant restoration efforts from local government restrictions. "One user recommended I convert my front lawn into a wildlife habitat," she wrote. "I want to get written confirmation from the city and put up a sign citing the law." She's also planning to speak with the zoning supervisor after being transferred by a confused staff member who had never heard of native habitat certification. In a follow-up, she thanked commenters for their support: "I didn't think anyone would care, but I'm so glad I reached out to this sub. You restore more of my faith in humanity." , In Florida, cities can legally fine homeowners for overgrown grass—if their local code defines a clear violation. But when no height is specified, enforcement becomes subjective. In one case reported by the Tampa Bay Times, a federal court upheld $30,000 in fines against a Dunedin homeowner for tall grass, though he planned to appeal. While fines like these can hold up legally, vague ordinances—like the one this homeowner describes—leave room for challenge, especially when violations are based on appearance rather than measurable rules. It's one thing to get fined by the city. It's another when the call is coming from just down the block. Whether it's lawn height, flowerbeds, or the wrong shade of yellow paint, the real challenge isn't just code enforcement—it's waking up each day next to someone who weaponizes it. Read Next: With Point, you can This Jeff Bezos-backed startup will allow you to . Image: Shutterstock This article Florida Homeowner Says Neighbor Reported 8-Inch Grass 'Because It Looks Bad' — Now She's Facing A $5,000 Fine Despite No Rule On Height originally appeared on Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Brickbat: Not Permitted
Christina Broadway of Marietta, Georgia, says she doesn't feel safe after her security cameras caught a city employee entering her home without her permission while she was at a funeral. City officials say the man was a code enforcement officer who had a right to enter the home because he thought he saw construction without the proper permits taking place at the residence. The post Brickbat: Not Permitted appeared first on
CBS News
30-05-2025
- General
- CBS News
Miami commission meeting erupts over allegations of abuse, extortion and "weaponization of government"
A City of Miami Commission meeting meant to address internal misuse of power quickly spiraled into chaos this week, with commissioners trading accusations, members of the public shouting over one another and one official referring to the hearing as a "kangaroo court." Carollo and Gabela clash over code enforcement The meeting was called by Commissioner Miguel Gabela to address what he described as the "weaponization of government," specifically accusing fellow Commissioner Joe Carollo of using city code enforcement officers to target three of Gabela's properties. "We have a resolution so (that if) Mr. Carollo or somebody like Mr. Carollo ever comes into city government again (he or she) cannot weaponize ever again," Gabela said during the session. Carollo dismissed the accusations as a distraction tactic and provided property appraisal photos he claimed showed too many boats and cars outside Gabela's rental properties. "By creating this smokescreen that (Gabela is) trying to do, does he think that he can get away with this?" Carollo responded. He described the hearing as a "kangaroo court" and accused Gabela of more serious misconduct. "First of all do you guys give a crap that what he's done is illegal? He gets away with it. He threatened to fire the city manager and extort him," Carollo said. Gabela submitted folders of documents to the city attorney, which he said prove Carollo's misuse of code enforcement power. Gabela maintains he has done nothing wrong. Public reaction turns heated Dozens of frustrated taxpayers also weighed in during public comment, many of them critical of Carollo. "You're weaponizing government by targeting Commissioner Gabela's properties," one woman told Carollo. Tensions escalated further when two people preparing to speak began arguing and had to be calmed by the sergeant-at-arms. Later, a speaker showed a video by filmmaker Billy Corben depicting individuals in chicken costumes being arrested for heckling Carollo. Several residents accused Carollo of using code enforcement officers to intimidate restaurant owners as well. Bob Powers, a taxpayer who attended the meeting, left visibly frustrated. "Really how they're operating right now, it's terrifying people," Powers said. "It has nothing to do with all (things happening) between (Commissioners Carollo and Gabela) being angry at each other to be honest with you. It has to do with four or five different agencies of the city not communicating with each other." Calls for refocus on public needs While the commissioners aired grievances and the public vented concerns, the broader takeaway for many was the need for less political infighting and more focus on city governance. "It has nothing to do with being angry at each other," Powers said. "It has to do with the government failing to work together for the people."
CBS News
29-05-2025
- General
- CBS News
Aurora landlord summoned to court for "chronic violator property," a common issue in the Colorado city
Sitting in the sun in her inviting backyard, Lindsay Wanek finds joy in calling Aurora home for the past eight years. "I moved out here because I like diverse communities," she said. Yet the last several months haven't been so joyful due to a troubling house next door. "People started coming and going and we couldn't figure out who was living there," said Wanek. Lindsay Wanek CBS That uncertainty put Wanek on edge. It became worse, she said, when she consistently heard loud music and saw strange behavior in her neighbor's backyard. "At one point, I poked my head over the fence to ask them to turn down the music and I saw all these cars back there and people working on them," she said. "I was like, 'This is weird.'" Wanek snapped several photos showing multiple cars lined up in the backyard, as well as several vehicles being worked on in the front yard. Knowing it was a rental property, she tried reaching out to the landlord in hopes of getting answers. "I called him twice and he was just like, 'There's not an issue there.'" But to Wanek, and many of her neighbors, she says, those vehicles weren't the only issue. From mounds of trash and debris in the yards and alley behind the home to a more than busted fence, problems kept piling up. A code enforcement photo of trash in the backyard of the home in question City of Aurora "There were car registrations all over the alley and so I was like, 'Something is not right.'" So, Wanek took action again by reaching out once more to the landlord, Aurora City Council, even Aurora police. "I tried everything I possibly could and then I saw your article," she said to CBS Colorado's Kelly Werthmann. She is referring to Werthmann's coverage in April about the City of Aurora's code enforcement team encouraging residents to reach out if they have concerns about problem rental homes in the city. Wanek did just that and within a couple days, code enforcement officers showed up and cited the landlord for numerous violations, including not removing trash, unlawful vehicles, and unlawful outdoor storage. Turns out, the house next door to Wanek has been labeled as a "chronic violator property" by the city of Aurora. CBS Colorado's open records request revealed dozens of citations in the past 10 yers and now a court summons issued to the landlord. Not only does he own the house next to Wanek's, but also eight other rental homes in the area. They, too, have a lengthy history of violating city code. "I tell you what, these people are crazy," said Andris Berzins, the landlord and homeowner. Much like he told Wanek by phone, Andris Berzins told Werthmann that he doesn't see an issue with his properties. "I don't see a problem," he said. "The problem is the code enforcement. They can come over here and see a piece of paper on there and they just give me trash [citation]." Berzins said his numerous citations for things like trash, building maintenance and unlawful vehicles over the years are because he has become an unfair target of Aurora's Code Enforcement. "They decided that I am not good," Berzins said. According to public property records, more than 50 different people have lived in the 3-bedroom, 800-square foot house next to Wanek since Andris Berzins purchased it in 2008. He claims the last person who lived there unexpectedly moved out in the past six months and allowed squatters to move in. Andris Berzins CBS "So you weren't keeping track of who was living in your home?" asked Werthmann. "I didn't, no," said Berzins. "Do you create leases for them to sign?" Werthmann asked. "No," he said. "Why not?" Werthmann replied. "I don't need to," he said. Upon learning her neighboring homeowner doesn't keep track of his tenants, Wanek decided to dig a little deeper into what's happening next door. "Oh, I found the property owner's spouse is running for city council, and on her website, she's advocating for safe neighborhoods and a safe community, which is really ironic," said Wanek. Marsha Berzins, Andris Berzins' wife, is a former Aurora City Council member and is running for election this November. While she is not listed as a co-owner of the home next door to Wanek, property records indicate Marsha Berzins is co-owner of at least three other homes in Aurora that have been repeatedly cited by code enforcement. CBS Colorado reached out to Mrs. Berzins for an interview, but she declined and said she has nothing to do with those rental properties. "What are the consequences for this? There doesn't seem like there's any," Wanek said. So, CBS Colorado went back to Aurora's code enforcement office to get answers. "A lot of times when we do see repeat offenders, we have the option of what's called a chronic violator property," explained Josh King, manager of Aurora's Housing and Community Services Department, "and we can put them on that and then issue a summons going forth for repeat violations." That is now what's happening to Andris Berzins. He is due in court in June. "It may look like we're not moving fast, but unfortunately zoning cases take time," explained King, adding some cases can take years to reach a summons. CBS Colorado's Kelly Werthmann interviews Josh King, the manager of Aurora's Housing and Community Services Department. CBS King said unfortunately situations like the Berzins' properties receiving multiple citations are not uncommon in Aurora. "Do you see the need for more enforcement or more regulation around rentals in Aurora?" Werthmann asked. "That's a tough question," King replied. "No one likes over-enforcement of things, but again, we're always looking at stuff to help our community members and maybe that does involve another code being written or how we address things. I'm not opposed to change by any means. The world is evolving, and we need to evolve with it." That change can't come soon enough for neighbors like Wanek. "I think the system is broken," she said. Aurora City Council is considering an amendment to its city code related to Neglected or Derelict Buildings or Property (page 400). According to the proposal, the provisions intent to gain compliance and eliminate the burden such properties place on neighborhoods and the community in general. It passed its first reading 8-0 in a council meeting earlier this month and is up for a second reading on June 9.
