Q: Stop code enforcement from hitting returnees with violations with hefty fines in paradise, CA. can anything be done?
Some of us are starting to receive violation notices from the city of paradise for code violations that are 2 months old along with the hefty fines for each. We were told that we would fall under a disaster ordinance upon return and I believe for up to 18 months. Now it is said only 180 days. the city is changing the ordinances upon whims and we are incurring costs that most of us can't afford to pay to the city after they just received payout from PG&E for over 300 million. We don't understand why code enforcement is hitting those is us living in RV's, Camp Trailers, etc. on our properties with these violations when clearly we are only doing what we can to survive and start to rebuild.The city council has changed the meetings without notice and is approving amended ordinances at each meeting without the towns people knowing what has been changed then we get hit with violations. The petty stuff town council is pulling is obscene we need help and representation regarding our rights
A:
TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE
You need to get familiar with the City's Municipal Code right away. You and the others like you should appeal every citation you get. Get yourselves a good civil rights lawyer who can represent you in every citation case.
Find yourself a good lawyer who has knowledge of civil rights laws, in your county, to help you. Do not delay, because time is of the essence in dealing with citations like these. Your rights can and should be protected in Federal Court.
Prepare a chronology of events along with a list of all witnesses (i.e. code enforcement officers etc.), and keep track of every citation you get. Turn that material over to a good lawyer and ask for help. Go to your county's local Bar Association referral service and ask for a referral to a civil rights lawyer. Interview more than one if necessary, but get going!
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