Post #278279 by Chip and Andy on Thu, Jan 11, 2007 4:18 PM

The neighbors are a pain in the ass and are gunning for you. You will never know why, so you can create your own story for that one.

As to the Palapa, I have to go with swanky on this one. If Code Enforcement (or whatever they are called there) can't cite you with/on/for a specific building code or public ordinance, then you don't have to do anything. And, I beleive you said you are not under any governing association, so that makes it really difficult for the City to just cite you because the neighbors complained.

And, from the ordinace:

"Any new building or structure, any addition to an existing building or structure, and the installation or construction of any site improvements shall be designed to create a unified, functional and comprehensive site plan with an integrated architectural theme that is compatible with and will compliment and enhance the subject and surrounding properties. "

You might could use this bit to your advantage. If you Integrate your design from the houe to the yard to the palapa you could take it to the City Commission (or whatever you have) and plead that the removal of the palapa would bring your yard further out of complaince by breaking the architectual theme.

And, it looks like they will try the roof line thing, flatten the roof line of the palapa. Then it will be more in line with the building code and less likely anybody could do anything about it.

Hang in there, we're rooting for you. I still think you should go on the offensive here. Spend time with your City Officials and see what they can suggest.

"Hey! Everybody! Any of you folks out there know a lawyer that is willing to answer some questions in exchange for some Mai-Tais?" Help the TC ohana and find him some legal help!