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California Land Use & Zoning Questions & Answers
0 Answers | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law and Land Use & Zoning for California on
Q: Received neighbor notification with errors, need contact and process in CA.

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?

1 Answer | Asked in Land Use & Zoning and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: Can Huxley Apartments in West Hollywood rent units as Airbnbs?

I'd like to know if the Huxley Apartments in West Hollywood are permitted to rent out their units as Airbnbs?

James L. Arrasmith
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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...
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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Land Use & Zoning, Real Estate Law and Tax Law for California on
Q: I cant find my dads trust from estate for years ir mineral rights i have no money and im rep of estate
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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...
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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Land Use & Zoning, Real Estate Law and Tax Law for California on
Q: My dad passed im rep of estate only child i cant find his trust fir years

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

P

James L. Arrasmith
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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...
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1 Answer | Asked in Land Use & Zoning and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: I have lived in a RSO unit with a detached garage for 15 years. The garage is detached and is in my original lease.

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?

James L. Arrasmith
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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...
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2 Answers | Asked in Land Use & Zoning for California on
Q: can a city manager deny a business , even though it complies with zoning and requiremets
Robert Kane
Robert Kane
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.

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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Business Law, Elder Law and Land Use & Zoning for California on
Q: Can you confirm that Civ. Code 4710 “owners separate interest” allows Political signs to remain without a removal date ?

I live in California within a 55+ CID or Common Interest Development HOA (under HOPA).

James L. Arrasmith
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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

1 Answer | Asked in Land Use & Zoning and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: My homeowner is stealing my mail with a double address.

Help mehhhh

James L. Arrasmith
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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...
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1 Answer | Asked in Land Use & Zoning and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: Can call fire come on to my property to inspect for defensive space compliance even though I have no trespass sign?

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.

James L. Arrasmith
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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

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Contracts, Real Estate Law and Land Use & Zoning for California on
Q: I rent 3 rooms in my landlords home for me and my mom.

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...
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1 Answer | Asked in Land Use & Zoning and Real Estate Law for California on
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... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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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....
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1 Answer | Asked in Land Use & Zoning for California on
Q: My grandparents put their house in a revocable trust and the property was claimed. They left it to me. Now code enforcem

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

1 Answer | Asked in Land Use & Zoning and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: I was illegally evicted and all my property was took by owners. I have suffered a great amount of mental issues

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

James L. Arrasmith
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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...
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1 Answer | Asked in Construction Law, Environmental, Land Use & Zoning and Municipal Law for California on
Q: How do I file for a Preliminary Injunction in Lake County, Ca

Our neighborhood already burned down in 2016 Lower Lake, CA Clayton Fire.

I'm trying to stop a construction company from building a New WOOD Fence that would abut & be Directly Under my stand of 50 year old Eucalyptus trees lining my 100 foot long driveway at property line.... View More

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answered on Oct 8, 2024

To file for a preliminary injunction in Lake County, California, you'll need to start by preparing a legal complaint that outlines your concerns and the reasons you're seeking the injunction. Include all relevant evidence, such as photographs of the tree line and information about the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Construction Law, Environmental and Land Use & Zoning for California on
Q: I live in Lake County,CA fire area. I Need Prelim- Injunction to stop New Builders from put WOOD Fence under Tree stand.

I partially saved my property in the inhialating 2016 Lower Lake Clayton Fire, including a Stand of 50 year old Eucalyptus Trees that line my 100 foot long driveway & property line. 6 Trees

1 acre land.

New Builders want to errect a 6 foot WOOD fence Directly Under my... View More

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answered on Oct 8, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about the challenges you're facing with the new builders. To obtain a preliminary injunction, you should gather all relevant documentation, including photographs of your eucalyptus trees and the proposed fence location. This evidence will support your claim that the... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Land Use & Zoning for California on
Q: Stolen cars parked outside my fence where mine is at can I be charged
Robert Kane
Robert Kane
answered on Oct 3, 2024

Depending on the circumstances if stolen cars are parked outside your fence where yours is at can you can be charged. Unfortunately, you description is so vague there is no way to guess if you will be charged. If you were charged, the the obvious answer is, "yes."

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2 Answers | Asked in Land Use & Zoning and Gov & Administrative Law for California on
Q: What is a citizen's recourse when a city takes actions that are in contravention of California Government Code?

City of Novato has approved or has pending three requests for developer's entitlement to density bonus under AB 2011, in violation of Gov Code Section 65583.2. No demolition has commenced at project sites.

Robert Kane
Robert Kane
answered on Sep 23, 2024

I suggest you quickly contact and organize other citizens that share your concern. Where city is in the process will dictate how you and the others proceed. If you haven't already, contact your elected officials.

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2 Answers | Asked in Child Support, Divorce, Land Use & Zoning and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: Getting divorce bought a house living for 15 years split the mortgage now with divorce don’t I get half of the house

She put her and her dad on the house we remodeled and I been paying half the mortgage with her the whole time the house is also worth 200000 than what we bought it for

Manuel Alzamora Juarez
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answered on Sep 11, 2024

Your attorney should be able to request half of the equity on the marital property.

Not quite sure about your statement regarding her parents.

Did she put them on the property ‘s title?

Or did she just allow them to live on the property?

If the first? Then , At...
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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Antitrust, Constitutional Law and Land Use & Zoning for California on
Q: What are the limitations (if any) applied to an unincorporated American nation pursuant of right to conquest?

Due to fraud and semantic deceit, parents were coerced into signing their children into the corporate slave system. Then through Naturalization the people have claimed the status (US Citizen) themselves,unbeknownst of the totality. By maintaining my American Principality and information to the... View More

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answered on Sep 9, 2024

The idea of an "unincorporated American nation" and rights to conquest, as you describe, isn't recognized under current U.S. law. The United States operates under federal and state legal systems that govern all individuals and entities within its territory. Claims of sovereignty or... View More

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