Q: Can I sue city to recover excessive fines?
I was fined 16k for violating city code on short term rentals. I moved so didn't receive the 1st notice warning and they did not post it at the house as required once returned. I received a notification to appear before special magistrate a few months later. I hadnt rented short term for a year but couldnt figure how to remove my post from vrbo so blocked all dates. Each month vrbo sent an email telling me to open dates so I would appear in searches again. I went to the magistrate with my long term tenants lease, the email saying I wasn't in search results and print out from vrbo showing no reservations in 365 days to find I was appearing in searches although couldn't be booked. The city said this was advertising which was my violation. At the time my property was split zoned w half legal for short term but code inspector testified it was not.Since then I had the other half rezoned so it is now legal. Can I sue to recover the fines as excessive?
A:
Sure anyone can sue anyone else at any time for anything--including this situation.
But I don't recommend trying it without a lawyer.
Whether you have a good claim or not depends on what the code violations were for.
Hire a lawyer to investigate this case and advise you on what to do.
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