Lot clearance citations should be enforced


Published on Tuesday, August 17, 2010 10:02 AM PDT

In light of the recent Bull and West Fire destruction, the following letter of complaint was mailed to Supervisor Jon McQuiston on July 22.

“It’s a waste of taxpayer money to dispatch the local fire company to tag properties in violation of brush clearance regulations and now follow through with cleanup at the property owner’s expense.

I live next to a property that was cited on June, 16. A bank-owned property across the street was also cited. I’ve contacted the executor of the property next to mine and have informed her of the situation. At her request I obtained an estimate from a local contractor to clear the brush. She felt the price was too high and I was told to mind my own business. I’ve had the boundary (fence line) weed whacked at my own expense. I’ve also sprayed to stop encroachment.

The overgrown condition of these ‘tagged’ properties jeopardizes my property as well as my neighbors’, especially during our present hot, dry and windy weather. Your expeditious handing of this situation will be appreciated.”

To date I have not received a reply to my letter or to a telephone message left on Aug. 3.

Phil Brennan

Onyx

Copyright © 2012 Kern Valley Sun

Comments

3 comment(s)

    mjs wrote on Aug 13, 2010 1:20 PM:

    " Just remember that your fire department personel have to inspect all those properties, on top of running all of the emergency calls 24 hours a day. These guys are busy and do a wonderful job with the little time they are given to do hazard reduction inspections! They usually have crews that will go out and clean these lots, but due to budget restraints, unfortunately most of these lots will not be cleaned up.

    Thank you firefighters for all your hard work you do for our community! "

    theresa wrote on Aug 12, 2010 5:39 PM:

    " we have an empty lot next to us and for the last 5 years we have had to pay to clear it because the owner dosent care we called the fire department last year they called the owner he told them oh well i dont care so they posted the property and thi year they cleaned it and will bill him on his taxes.the fire department is wounderful THEY WILL clean it but you must keep calling them or going in to their fire house dont give up keep bugging them it works. "

    Kat Owen wrote on Aug 10, 2010 10:54 PM:

    " I feel that should also go to all these vacant lots along Lake Isabella Blvd. Like on the corner of Lake Isabella Blvd and Kilbreth Drive. The weeds are 2 to 3 feet tall. If that field was to catch fire, every structure would burn around it. These property owners should be held accountable. Not a slap on the hand..but severe fines. "

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