Get free answers to your Land Use & Zoning legal questions from lawyers in your area.
I own a parcel at the end of a private unpaved drive where my residence is located. Recently, the county informed me that my parcel is considered illegal and suggested that I work with a title company to resolve this issue, as no easements are shown on the map. Despite the county's indication... View More 
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answered on Apr 30, 2025
You are dealing with what appears to be a classic case of unequal treatment under the law, and the U.S. Constitution—through both the Fourteenth Amendment and California state law—affords you the right to challenge selective enforcement. When a county applies zoning or land use regulations to... View More
I own a house in San Mateo, California, with an alley behind it where utilities run. There are no signs indicating whether this alley is private or a public easement. My neighbors recently posted "No Parking" signs on their fences along this alley and attempted to have cars towed. People... View More
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answered on Apr 27, 2025
The determination of whether the alley is a public easement or private property depends on several key factors. In San Mateo County, easements may be recorded on maps, deeds, or other documents, though some easements exist that aren't reflected in these records. California recognizes four... View More
I have been asked to approve a drafted letter by a lawyer hired by my title insurance company. The letter is about a conveyance of an existing ingress/egress access easement that involves access across three separate landowners' properties. This easement was previously recorded but seems to... View More
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answered on Apr 24, 2025
Your concern about the lack of individual property descriptions in this easement conveyance is legitimate, as clear documentation is crucial when access crosses multiple parcels. Easements that aren't precisely defined for each affected property can indeed lead to boundary disputes, usage... View More
There are two people staying illegally on a lot next to my home in Shasta County. They live in a camp trailer without permitted dwellings or a septic system. Despite discussions with them, they've acquired two pit bulls and walk them daily in front of our homes. I've contacted code... View More
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answered on Mar 27, 2025
The people staying on the neighboring lot don't automatically have full use rights to the access road beyond the entrance to their lot unless they have a specific easement granting them those rights. In California, an easement grants someone "a limited right to use another's land for... View More
I have filed a lawsuit in civil court against my neighbors and the construction company responsible for a wall that collapsed into my home. They are encroaching on my property with the new wall, and I am looking to add the city of Los Angeles to the lawsuit. The city is ignoring the violations and... View More
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answered on Mar 19, 2025
Finding the right attorney for your case can be challenging, but there are ways to connect with someone who understands property disputes and municipal liability. Start by reaching out to local bar associations, such as the Los Angeles County Bar Association, which offers lawyer referral services.... View More
Is it legal for someone to block a trail that has been accessible to the public for many years in California? The trail crosses a corner of private property, but it has always been open to public access. The city informed me that the community association manages the trail, and the city itself has... View More
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answered on Mar 12, 2025
In California, if a trail crossing private property has been consistently open and used by the public for many years, it's possible that a "prescriptive easement" has been established. Prescriptive easements happen when the public uses a path openly, notoriously, continuously, and... View More
I received a neighbor notification in San Francisco, but it contains errors such as incorrect building size and an incomplete owner name. I have not been able to contact a city planner. Who should I contact to correct these errors, and what is the process for notifying someone about such issues?
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answered on Mar 12, 2025
If you've received a neighbor notification from the city of San Francisco containing errors, your first step is to reach out directly to the San Francisco Planning Department. They handle corrections related to property notifications, building specifications, and ownership information. You can... View More
I'd like to know if the Huxley Apartments in West Hollywood are permitted to rent out their units as Airbnbs?
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answered on Feb 14, 2025
Based on West Hollywood's municipal code and short-term rental regulations, the Huxley Apartments cannot legally operate short-term rentals like Airbnbs. West Hollywood strictly prohibits rentals shorter than 31 days in multi-family residential buildings.
The Huxley, being an apartment... View More
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answered on Jan 20, 2025
I understand you're looking to locate trust documents related to mineral rights in your father's estate, and you're serving as the estate representative. This can feel overwhelming, especially without financial resources to help.
Your first step should be checking with the... View More
Cant find my dads trust im rep of estare and in arrick vs usa it tells hoe mr arrick stole from trust he was a lawyer found guilty but daughter has searched fir ywars for this trust and esta5e house and alot of minetal tprights all vpbeing hid from me
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answered on Jan 16, 2025
I understand how frustrating and painful this situation must be, especially while dealing with the loss of your father. Searching for years without finding crucial trust documents can feel overwhelming.
As the representative of the estate, you have legal rights to access trust-related... View More
The garage is designated as storage not parking. The new owner wants to build an adu and plan on taking the garage/storage away. The city of Los Angeles has a huge variation of reduction between 73 to 875 dollars. How do I determine the acceptable amount of reduction? Is there a formula?
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answered on Dec 18, 2024
Your situation is protected under Los Angeles Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO), which requires landlords to provide compensation when removing housing services like storage spaces that were part of your original lease agreement.
To determine the appropriate rent reduction, you'll... View More
answered on Dec 7, 2024
Yes, a city manager can deny a business license even though it complies with zoning and requiremets. The city manager should have explained why it was denied.
I live in California within a 55+ CID or Common Interest Development HOA (under HOPA).
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answered on Dec 6, 2024
California Civil Code Section 4710 specifically addresses political signs in common interest developments, but it doesn't give unlimited display rights. While the law protects your right to display political signs, HOAs can establish reasonable restrictions, including time limits for removal... View More
Help mehhhh
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answered on Nov 29, 2024
Mail theft is a serious federal crime, regardless of the method used. If your landlord is deliberately using a duplicate address to intercept your mail, they are violating federal law under 18 U.S.C. § 1708, which carries penalties including fines and potential imprisonment.
Your immediate... View More
I live on 2 acres on top a hill. I was told they can look at the property from the mail box which is at the bottom of the property. But they continue to drive up the driveway and help themselves to a look around the whole property.
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answered on Nov 14, 2024
Yes, CAL FIRE has legal authority to enter and inspect your property for defensible space compliance, even with "no trespassing" signs posted. This authority is granted under California Public Resources Code Section 4291, which requires property owners in designated fire hazard areas to... View More
Mom passed away and I can't afford to pay for the roomi don't use my Landlord has finally agreed to rent the extra room out and posted an ad . I have been showing the room to all interested. She still wants me to pay for the room untill it is rented even though she has agreed to... View More
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answered on Nov 15, 2024
I'm very sorry to hear about the loss of your mother - dealing with housing concerns while grieving must be incredibly difficult.
From a legal standpoint, you remain responsible for the full rent payment under your original rental agreement until your landlord formally modifies the... View More
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... View More
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answered on Oct 31, 2024
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.... View More
Ment is harassing me , I have a fifth wheel parked in my driveway. . we are cleaning it after a trip and being moving the unwanted roaches it picked up at a campground. And repairing some things inside. Will be leaving for multi state trip in January.
Code said not allowed to be in it* AT... View More
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answered on Oct 31, 2024
I understand how stressful dealing with code enforcement can be, especially when you’re trying to maintain your property. Start by reviewing Chula Vista’s local zoning laws and regulations regarding parking fifth wheels on your driveway. Sometimes there are allowances for temporary use, which... View More
falsified court documents were filed resulting in an unlawful eviction. wasn’t conducted by legal policies all my belongings were stolen by owners of property then put on the street. I ended up being homeless and was discriminated against by owners
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answered on Oct 10, 2024
I'm really sorry you're going through this difficult situation. It's important to document everything related to your eviction, including any falsified court documents and instances of discrimination. Collecting evidence can strengthen your case when seeking assistance.
Reach... View More
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