Children playing in Damaged House on Dune

[Paula]

It might be a good idea just to call the cops...might get faster response than calling a code enforcement. Especially might get the kids out of harms way or at least notify their parents they were in harms way.

I agree that would have been wise to do at the time. Just didn't think of it then but will in the future. And two of us on this board called code enforcement yesterday thanks to this board so let's hope the house gets taken down soon -- ideally before the summer vacationers come.

 

[DBOldford]

By the time a typical code enforcement officer gets to the site, the trespassers are long gone. These code enforcement officers have a backlog of complaints and violations equal to years of workload sometimes. The more timely thing is to call the Sheriff and report a trespassing, one where the safety of minors is at risk. They will usually "blue-light" it right out there and take the kids home to their parents, with a stern warning.

Paula, I have had the same question about some properties in our area. They were red-tagged for awhile, but now appear uninhabited but still standing. In other words, no longer condemned for some reason, but still dangerous. I have also seen kids climbing the dunes up towards the houses. On occasion, I have approached the kids and warned them off the dunes by explaining that the dunes are environmentally sensitive. Most of these children have been very cooperative and courteous. They know about environmental issues from school. And Southern children are usually taught respect for their elders. If we did this in CA, the likely response would be a lively demonstration of the CA State bird!

Parents would thank you, I would hope.

 

[Paula]

Thanks, Donna. I hope these houses hanging over dunes don't end up staying like that until a child/adult gets hurt or killed and then action is taken to condemn them and tear them down. In the meantime, we'll keep our eyes open and talk to parents/kids who may be too near these places. I'd stay as far away from them as possible. And there are several of them along 30A (I'm quite the safety queen so I tend to notice these things!).

 

[John]

I suspect that these houses are not torn down immediately because they may not get approval to build a new structure in the exact location (on top of dune). However, if you "rebuild", then you are grandfathered in and are OK regarding location of structure.

For those that know these things, is my theory correct?

 

[Smiling JOe]

I suspect that these houses are not torn down immediately because they may not get approval to build a new structure in the exact location (on top of dune). However, if you "rebuild", then you are grandfathered in and are OK regarding location of structure.

For those that know these things, is my theory correct?

I think you mean "repair," eh?

 

[John]

Yes, "repair" is what I meant.

 

[Camp Creek Kid]

I suspect that these houses are not torn down immediately because they may not get approval to build a new structure in the exact location (on top of dune). However, if you "rebuild", then you are grandfathered in and are OK regarding location of structure.

For those that know these things, is my theory correct?

This is not the case with this house. It was damaged during Ivan and has been neglected since then. Dennis undermined the foundation, tore off the side facing the gulf and now the house is literally falling onto the beach. Part of the roof finally collapsed this week.

There is no possible way that this house could be rebuilt in the same location.

Paula, I feel foolish about not taking more action on this situation. Thanks and let me know if we can help.

 

[Paula]

This is not the case with this house. It was damaged during Ivan and has been neglected since then. Dennis undermined the foundation, tore off the side facing the gulf and now the house is literally falling onto the beach. Part of the roof finally collapsed this week.

There is no possible way that this house could be rebuilt in the same location.

Paula, I feel foolish about not taking more action on this situation. Thanks and let me know if we can help.

CCK:
I'm sure we all do the same thing -- I figured someone must be doing something about it. So far, two of us have called the number listed in a previous post on this thread and mentioned it, so it would probably help if you did so as well. If nothing seems done within a month, since you're there you'll notice and could call to see what actions have been taken. I'll be there in early May and can call again if no action has been taken.

I'm sure the same problem with these collapsing houses is taking place in several places along 30A. They're interesting to look at and give us an interesting perspective on the power of mother nature, but they are now getting undermined to the point where they are dangerous and there will be many, many children and teenagers exploring the beaches from now through August.

Thanks for follow-up CCK!

 

[Camp Creek Kid]

CCK:
I'm sure we all do the same thing -- I figured someone must be doing something about it. So far, two of us have called the number listed in a previous post on this thread and mentioned it, so it would probably help if you did so as well. If nothing seems done within a month, since you're there you'll notice and could call to see what actions have been taken. I'll be there in early May and can call again if no action has been taken.

I'm sure the same problem with these collapsing houses is taking place in several places along 30A. They're interesting to look at and give us an interesting perspective on the power of mother nature, but they are now getting undermined to the point where they are dangerous and there will be many, many children and teenagers exploring the beaches from now through August.

Thanks for follow-up CCK!

We'll do what we can--I think Mr. CCK knows the right people AND he has a backhoe ;-) .

 

[DBOldford]

Many of these houses are what planners call legal nonconforming, meaning they could not be approved under the current zoning and other regulations. This status means the structures can remain indefinitely in their existing "footprint," but cannot be enlarged and sometimes they cannot be moved. If the house is destroyed (for any reason), it can be rebuilt in that footprint. There is an assumption with such structures and uses that eventually they will cease to exist and the underlying land will then be developed only under the current ordinances and regulations. If the structure or use is abandoned for a continuous period of time (usually six months), then the legal nonconforming status is lost and cannot be re-established.

Legal nonconforming properties should always have an accurate survey so that the footprint and size of the structure is well defined in an official document. Without a survey or an existing structure, it can be difficult to prove the "footprint." Many planners claim they have never seen a request for legal nonconforming status that actually meets the burden of proof, which can be quite cumbersome. A survey would be the solution, not that expensive and could save the owners a lot of delay and cost should they reconstruct.

I am currently working on establishing a legal nonconforming status for a vineyard house whose owner has lived in it her entire life of 80+ years. In the end, the only evidence the County would accept was a piece of stone from the original foundation that just happened to be date impressioned 1939. which means it predates the County zoning. Without recognition of this status, the house would have to be demolished and she would have been unable to live on her ancestral property.

And doesn't that just make you want to be a planner? :roll: