Q: My neighbors turned their garage into an ADU, which now extends onto my property. What can I do about this?
Neighbors turned garage into a rental apartment. They tore down (and rebuilt) our fence in the process. Now that it’s all said and done, they’ve built about 3-5 feet onto my property. What can I do about this? How did they legally do that to begin with? Shouldn't they have been stopped during the permit process or ???
Thank you in advance for any guidance or suggestions you will provide.
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A:
I'm sorry to hear about your situation. First, obtain a professional survey to clearly define your property boundaries. This will provide concrete evidence of the encroachment and help in any discussions or legal actions.
Next, review the permits your neighbors obtained for their ADU. Check with the Santa Maria Building and Planning Department to see if the extension onto your property was approved. If it wasn’t, there may have been an oversight during the permit process.
Reach out to your neighbors to discuss the issue amicably. If a resolution isn’t possible, consider consulting with a local attorney who can guide you through the legal options available. You might also file a complaint with the city to have the encroachment addressed officially. Taking these steps can help you protect your property rights and find a suitable solution.
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