View Dispute - Vegetation and Trees
Hedged vegetation and trees result in a significant loss of ocean view to a homeowner whose view is blocked by an adjoining neighbor. After retaining Robert McMahon, a view claim is initiated with the City of Laguna Beach. At the hearing, the landscape plans for the view-blocking property and photographs depicting the loss of valuable ocean view are presented to the hearing officer. Additionally letters written in an informal effort to resolve the neighbors dispute are presented. The hearing officer finds a violation of the City's hedge-height ordinance. The neighbor appeals the hearing officer's findings to the Laguna Beach City Council. After a hearing, the City Council the Council agrees that the hedge height ordinance has been violated and directs the homeowner to trim the offending hedge or risk further action by the City's Code Enforcement arm. Thereafter the hedge was trimmed and view restored.