Do cities have the right to force a land owner to demolish a building on their property?

Question

So in Clovis California, there's a mansions that was build in 1922. A 92 year old historic building. The city is forcing owner Todd Wolfe to demolish the building. The mansion is a beautiful 8,000 square foot building and it is also believed to be a Mongolia model of the Sears and Roebuck homes from the 1920's. To add to that, the building is located near a main railroad. The home is called Wolfe Manor (previously know as The Andleberry Estate). Now I'm a concerned citizen and I really don't want to see this building go. Its architecture is brilliant and its floor plans match up to the Mongolia home. If you have an answer, please let me know. We can still save this place!

Answer 1

The city may condemn a property for health and safety reasons as well as abandoned property. In order to condemn a property the city has certain procedures they are required to accomplish before they are allowed to have property demolished. The procedures are drawn out and normally require some form of court action.



During this procedure the current owner of the property is notified by mail and any other means that action is being taken against the property, and they are required to appear in a court room or planning department to defend themselves against action being taken by the city..



In some cases, there are groups that might consider the purchase of the property for history purposes. In order for this to happen the group would be required to partition the city to allow them to purchase the property and present the city a plan as to how they would restore the property and the purpose the property would be used for.



You also have a time frame in which the city would allow any action by a group. It might be that this eyesore has gone through the process of being demolished and the city would not entertain the property being restored under any condition.



You would be required to speak with the city planning department to find out the status of the house. Once you have established the situation and phase the property is in, you might inquire as to what can be done to save the property.



If you get no satisfaction from the city planning department, you might approach the city council person where the property is located to see if this person would be of any help in saving the property. Some small cities do not have wards or council districts, so any councilperson would do.



If the city council would not be helpful, you might consider taking the matter public by going to the local TV and print media. Normally there is a TV station that take up citizen concerns. Most newspapers have a citizen section where you are able to voice your opinions.



I hope this has been of some benefit to you, good luck.



"FIGHT ON"

Answer 2

See if you can get it designated either as an architecturally historic home or a historic home. The process varies. Does Clovis have a historical society? See if they will assist. Under the Mills Act the property will qualify for a property tax reduction. Generally a City tears down houses they consider a danger and a nuisance. Possibly they want the land for another purpose? It will take time and effort but I agree it is a beauty. See if your State Assemblyman will assist with the process. Then a group must come and preserve it, probably make it into a museum etc. etc. Go and address your City Council in the public comments portion and ask for time to get this together. See if you can identify a council member who has a liking for things such as this and get his/her assistance.

Answer 3

Absolutely, but the city must go through the courts. Usually this is due to the property having been Condemned and the owner is unable, or unwilling, to effect repairs. Then the city can sue to have the building torn down in the public interest (safety).



If there is a Preservation Society in your area, they may be able to help. If the building is truly of historical significance, one could petition to have it listed as such. It could be donated to a historical trust and funds could be raised for it's restoration and preservation.



If it's not historically significant, though, you may find there is no interest and it gets torn down.



Good luck.

Answer 4

Yeah you could save it but it wouldn't be easy, they do have the right to demolish the property they just must pay the owner or re-home them I believe,

The probally wanna build something else or it is dangrouse😕

Answer 5

Yes, you need to get it registered as a historical landmark.

It's going to take some work and time but we'll worth it.

Contact the California historical society.