Founding Partner Charles Peterson successfully negotiated the removal of three 30-foot-tall melaleuca trees that were obstructing his client’s ocean views.

Founding Partner Charles Peterson presented, “What Every Real Estate Professional Should Know About View Preservation and View Restoration Ordinances,” to South Bay RE/MAX on May 5, 2015. A view ordinance is the legal vehicle to bring forth a lawsuit to restore and preserve a homeowners’ view. Restoring scenic views can increase real estate property values up to $100,000.

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I attended a presentation this week that nearly made me ill. The health of California’s court system was the topic. It isn’t good. The budget of the judicial branch has been cut over $600 million in the past three years – with more cuts on the way – to the detriment of every Californian.

The five-bedroom, five-and-a-half bathroom house at 333 Belvedere Ave. featured views of the bay, San Francisco skyline and Golden Gate Bridge. But after paying $4.2 million for the property earlier this year, the couple next door is tearing it down and replacing it with bushes and trees.

This view restoration matter was resolved by reference to the City of Palos Verdes Estates Tree Management Policy.  

A nasty neighbor can be a terrible scourge upon an otherwise peaceful community where cooperation is prized. Fortunately, some cities, states and home associations have rules that take into account bad taste and that unfortunate human trait called ‘spite.’

Is a complaint against a loud dog more important than your frustration over the blockage of your priceless ocean view?

Apparently.  While many Southern California municipalities, associations and city governments will use their staff resources and attorneys to enforce noise and most other tree ordinances, when it comes to view ordinances … not so much.

As crusaders for view protection and view restoration, WE continue to be amazed – and at times utterly baffled – by municipalities and associations that spend years creating a much-needed view law ordinance that they then cannot or will not fully enforce.

Our mission as crusaders for view protection and restoration is to provide you with helpful information for capturing the value of your magnificent view.