Have the code Nazis hit on your car?

[66340SEDAN]

the front of your home should not look like sanford and son.

lmao

 

[adriver]

Just the front.
The back yard is OK though.
In fact sacrificing a goat on your car is allowed.

 

[Frankie]

...everyone is not as “fortunate” as Frankie and able to have their cars indoors.

It might interest you to know that to accomplish what I need to do to meet code, I sold of 4 vehicles. I keep only one hobby car, and have rented a storage bin for the parts I have. I don't consider having to sell off 4 cars to meet a local code to be a "fortunate" position. I did it to comply with existing code (read: law). I didn't like it, but, as I stated and repeat here, it's what I had to do to meet code, if I wanted to continue to live in this neighborhood.

I also had an option to move to a location with less restrictive covenants. I never seriously considered that option. Since I decided to stay, I could either meet those codes or be continuously harassed and fined, and possibly even lose those vehicles, not to mention just being a poor citizen and neighbor, and yes, that matters to me.

People have to understand that there are laws that also government what you can and can't do EVEN ON YOUR OWN PROPERTY. You don't have to like that, but, if you break those laws, it's going to cost you. Being bullheaded about it solves absolutely nothing, and your "troubles" will continue. Ignoring the law doesn't make anything better,and it won't just go away.

If you have cars and parts strewn about your property, and have had requests from your neighbors to clean up, or had letters from the local authorities to clean up, and you ignore them, YOU ARE THEY PROBLEM. Not the Neighbors, not the authorities.
You are creating the issue, you have the power to solve it. If you don't, the government authority will do it for you.

“Is it any of their business? Well, that depends. Is your lake of pride in your property affecting their property value? If the answer to that question is yes, than, it is their business, as it has a direct and costly affect on their property.”

AH HA! When it affects his wallet, the socialist, collectivist argument comes out.

It becomes other people's business when you make it so. You do that by ignoring the codes and covenant that everyone else agreed to follow when they purchased property in that community, as did you. The governing authorities represent the others of your community, against you, and that is at YOUR desecration.In other words, the choice is yours, and you can take it as far as you like. If you win, great! Life goes on as usual. If you lose, you lose. Be prepared for some major changes, either by your own hand, or the community's.

Mods, can we move this to the political forum where it probably belongs and where Frankie lives?

Bring it.

In other words, if my Valiant devalues my neighbor's Hemi I have to get rid of my property because the majority has a code.
Not a perfect analogy, but an analogy nonetheless.

Not only is it not a "perfect analogy, it's completely off topic.
Have a car in your drive way is one thing, have a collection of parts and parts cars in that same place is another argument, completely.

btw, your comment, "...I have to get rid of my property because the majority has a code". Is completely wrong. It has nothing to do with the "majority". The code 100% of the residents. Not just a "majority". Everyone is liable to meet code. By not doing so, you are looking for preferential treatment under the law. IOW The laws of you community apply to everyone except you.
Your disagreement with local law doesn't give you a right to ignore them. You can try to fight it, or even change it, but, simply ignoring them puts you in violation. Bravado, testosterone, and any other BS that you want to use as your argument will not stand up in court. If you want your cake and eat it too, I recommend you develop an argument that will convince a judge that you should be exempt from a law that governs everyone else in your community. If you can't do that, your options are to get legal, or continue to be harassed, fined, and possibly even suffer the loss of some of your stuff.
That's the cold hard reality, with none of the emotional BS.

You select where you live, and by doing so you also agree to abide by the "rules" that govern the location, or suffer the consequences. That's a decision you have to make.

Buying a house can be considered a contract that you will abide by the laws, codes, covenants, that govern that location. If you fail in that "agreement" you are the issue, not the code, not the neighbor.

And what’s wrong with Sanford and Son?

It describes a scrap yard. If you wish to live in one I recommend you visit your local planning and zoning committee to either find a location zoned for such, or do your best to have your residential zoning changed to accommodate your person desire, over that of the rest of your community.

Aesthetics is in the eye of he beholder. One man’s trash.

...is another man's trash.

 

[DaveBonds]

I live on zoned property that allows construction, farm, and other industrial equipment stored open as well as horses and other farm animals, in the middle of the city. R zoning can suck it. I won't live in covenant neighborhoods.

I've got better **** to do than keep up with the Jonses, find which 109th circle to turn on in twisting, dead end "communities", calling cops on kids for mini-bikes and measuring grass adjacent to my property with a ruler in golf shorts.

If you want to fix up some some old cars, forget the burbs. Find a neighborhood that will suit your lifestyle or keep fenced. Let the people who want to throw a fit, throw them at someone else.

 

[Frankie]

I live on zoned property that allows construction, farm, and other industrial equipment stored open as well as horses and other farm animals, in the middle of the city. R zoning can suck it. I won't live in covenant neighborhoods.

Excellent choice. Pro-active. Perfect. You did what you needed to do to support your hobby, lifestyle. :thumbup:

I've got better **** to do than keep up with the Jonses, find which 109th circle to turn on in twisting, dead end "communities", calling cops on kids for mini-bikes and measuring grass adjacent to my property with a ruler in golf shorts.

Most of us have better things to do, but since I live in a neighborhood zoned "R", and I knew that going in, I had to conform to the neighborhood. I couldn't realistically expect the neighborhood to change to suit me. I was the one who had to change. To do so, I sold a number of vehicles, and parts, and rented or purchased storage for the rest.

If you want to fix up some some old cars, forget the burbs. Find a neighborhood that will suit your lifestyle or keep fenced. Let the people who want to throw a fit, throw them at someone else.

Excellent advice. Again :thumbup:

 

[mailman2004]

I could not live in a place that has rules like that, I have 1 SUV, 2 cars, 2 trucks, a boat, and a camper in my yard. Only 3 of them have current tags, I keep them parked neatly, and try to keep my yard looking nice but they are still here and will stay here.

 

[DaveBonds]

I've had to juggle cars, due to neighborhoods that I was in, when I had no choice. It sucks. I wouldn't wish it on my enemies.

 

[Oklacarcollecto]

I live across the street from the city limits because we have Nazi tactics when it comes to cars, lawn furniture and trash cans. The city owned rolling trash carts must be removed by 5:00pm the day the trash is emptied or you are subject to a fine. Seeing that many people don't get home until after 5:00pm this is a stupid law.

 

[gunbunny]

earlier this year the board of health came snooping around my neighborhood. I had my Dart sitting in the driveway, this dorky guy knocks on the door wanting to give me a "citation" for expired tags. My Dart has historical tags on it, model year tags. I tried explaining this to the idiot, but he wasn't hearing it. I pulled the registration out with the tag # the historical # and the expiration date to prove it to him. he insisted he was right. I had to call the Ohio State Highway Patrol to the house to keep this moron citing me. code enforcement wienies are the worse.

 

[Frankie]

earlier this year the board of health came snooping around my neighborhood. I had my Dart sitting in the driveway, this dorky guy knocks on the door wanting to give me a "citation" for expired tags. My Dart has historical tags on it, model year tags. I tried explaining this to the idiot, but he wasn't hearing it. I pulled the registration out with the tag # the historical # and the expiration date to prove it to him. he insisted he was right. I had to call the Ohio State Highway Patrol to the house to keep this moron citing me. code enforcement wienies are the worse.

Agreed. Nonetheless, they have a job to do, they serve a purpose, and you should be aware of the codes in your area BEFORE you buy property there.
In your case, the guy seemed to be either over zealous, or ignorant of the laws/codes he was hired to enforce. It happens, and you responded correctly to it. Kudos to you. Instead of losing your temper, you used your head, and came out on top. Excellent.

So many people react poorly to a situation, and let *** talk for them them. Very stupid, and even if your right, your going to get screwed that way.

 

[Bad Sport]

In your case, the guy seemed to be either over zealous, or ignorant of the laws/codes he was hired to enforce.

Sounds to me like he was just plain stooopid! If you show someone a proper plate and registration to match, end of story.

 

[Frankie]

Sounds more like he just wasn't aware of the classification. Probably thought gunbunny was BS'ing him, until the SP showed up. The cops probably have a better grasp of what is and isn't a violation then these "code enforcers", anyway.

 

[moparisbest]

Exactly. California has specific vehicle codes that attempt to protect collector/parts cars, but, the local statutes sometimes take precedence which sucks. One nice thing is that code enforcement here can't step foot on your property to inspect. If they can't see it from the street, they are **** out of luck.

As long as it's parked in accordance with local codes, they can't say anything. HOA's try and they usually lose when pushed into court when attempting to enforce rules stricter than the local prevailing codes.

We're i live you can put up a privacy fence . To keep them out . But then they do a fly over and take areal pics of your yard and still send you a notice

 

[Frankie]

We're i live you can put up a privacy fence . To keep them out . But then they do a fly over and take areal pics of your yard and still send you a notice

Are you in violation of the codes in your area, or not?

 

[adriver]

Now that everyone knows how hard Frankie has worked to meet codes and garage his car(s?), we can all go home to our hovels with no indoor storage and un-registered vehicles.



Quote:

In other words, if my Valiant devalues my neighbor's Hemi I have to get rid of my property because the majority has a code.
Not a perfect analogy, but an analogy nonetheless.

Quote:
Not only is it not a "perfect analogy, it's completely off topic.
Have a car in your drive way is one thing, have a collection of parts and parts cars in that same place is another argument, completely.


Au contraire.
Insert “un-garaged Valiant project with no registration”.
Insert “house” for Hemi.
Property values was introduced as logic by someone, I think.
Stay on topic I’ve been told sometimes.
Revenue.


I see we are now to "tell it to the judge" if you don't like it.
Poorly worded and arbitrary codes don't help that, F.
There's some good topics.

 

[68coupe]

i lived in Marietta, Ga. for about 18 yrs. During that time, I restored a 70 Corvette in my basement garage. Whether I was driving the car or not, I was required to have it registered. It's called Ad Valorem, folks. If I had had the car unregistered for 5 yrs. while in restoration, then tried to get plates, I would have to pay a fine plus the previous 5 yrs. worth of Ad Valorem. Its revenue and the law. All I can say is - try to fight it! just be prepared to waste a lot of time, a lot of money, and accept a lot of disappointment!
Then, the Atlanta Metro area came up with water restrictions. If your house address was an odd number, you could water your yard from 10:00 pm to 4:00 am or something stupid like that. Absolutely no car washing!!! You had to take your car to an approved car wash that recycled their water! Like I was going to take my Corvette to one of those places! Also, if you used a certain percentage more water one month than the month before, you paid a super premium price. And then, there were the water Nazis.
Needless to say, I got the hell outa there!
The I moved to a podunk county in East Tennessee. When you see what some of these stooopid rednecks can do, you appreciate restrictions. As much as I hate to say it - You're better off keepin your mouth shut and trying to comply. The old saying "you can't fight city hall" might be truer than you think!

 

[DaveBonds]

Absolutely. That sucks about the dude trying to ticket a classic, even after papers shown. Calling the cops was the right move. I would have done the same.

68coupe is right. Just get the hell out. It's not worth it.

With that said, I've had my fun with code enforcers, before.

Typically, what I would do is find a loophole to make the law work against them.

Favorite things that I've done to code enforcers, in reverse order of how entertaining each of them were;

4) Put temp tags on a parts car (no emissions inspection required), long enough to get what I wanted off of it, before it was hauled. You are allowed 72 hours to work on a car, in order to have it operable, where it was.

3) Put a car that I was working on, after it was tagged with a warning, the day after I started a brake job, up on a butt ugly, registered trailer and continued working on it.

2) Made my landlord and his wife mow my lawn on a hot summer day, because it was longer than they liked seeing it. It was within code length. I mow my lawn every other week. We had water restrictions, so it doesn't grow quickly. They wanted it shorter. Something like golf course short, which none of the neighbors were doing. Nothing in the rental contract said anything about length, outside of the covenant code. They tried giving me a bill for their landscaping, under a heavy rock on my front porch. I mailed it back to them with a letter, telling them not to leave trash on my front porch, or I would file harassment charges.

1) Removed a wheel with a boot on it for private property enforcement and put it in the trunk of my car, changed to spare, removed the boot from the wheel, put the wheel back on, put my spare back in the trunk with the boot, returned to the scene with police and had the apartment complex management company fined after they were charged with harassment.

That code enforcer was beyond reason. He put a boot on my car, because he didn't like my attitude, when I told him I would not move my car, because I had a visitor tag on the window in a visitor parking spot that he claimed was mislabeled, which was clearly stated with a sign. He told me he would boot it. I told him he would be sorry if he touched my car. Sorry you suck at reading. Not my problem. Parked the car, came back and there was a boot. The look on his face when I handed him his boot in front of the cop put a smile on my face for a week.

I believe in code enforcement, but not when it's invasive and unlawful.

 

[Frankie]

Now that everyone knows how hard Frankie has worked to meet codes and garage his car(s?), we can all go home to our hovels with no indoor storage and un-registered vehicles.

First of all, how nice of you to assume to speak for "everyone". When were you elected spokesman? I must have missed something :roll:

Secondly. I don't know what's up your ***, and I really don't care, but, the bottom line is this: Anywhere in this country there are codes to be met. Each area has different levels of codes, and different levels of enforcement of those codes. It's your responsibility to know them. You are either meeting the codes, or your not. If your not, you are problem, not the people reporting you, or those enforcing the codes. Man up. Geez.

In other words, if my Valiant devalues my neighbor's Hemi I have to get rid of my property because the majority has a code.
Not a perfect analogy, but an analogy nonetheless.

Not only is it not a "perfect analogy, it's completely off topic.
Have a car in your drive way is one thing, have a collection of parts and parts cars in that same place is another argument, completely.

]Au contraire.
Insert “un-garaged Valiant project with no registration”.
Insert “house” for Hemi.

You just changed the criteria of your comment. Do you not understand the differences between your two comments?

Property values was introduced as logic by someone, I think.
Stay on topic I’ve been told sometimes.

property value IS on topic. Property value is probably the single most common motivator for a neighbor to contact the authorities about code violations. You might not like that, but, that doesn't void the reason.

Revenue.

Revenue would be, and, most like is, the motivator for the municipality, not the citizen reporting the violation.

I see we are now to "tell it to the judge" if you don't like it.

Wrong again, but at least you're consistent. Where all of us should be, is knowing, and understanding the local codes for this sort of thing, and understand that if you are in violation, not only are you in the wrong, but your neighbor has every right to report it, and by doing so does not become the problem, but becomes part of the neighborhoods solution.
I was reported, and I did what I needed to do to fix it. My breaking the local codes was not my neighbor's fault. :roll: It was my fault.

]Poorly worded and arbitrary codes don't help that, F.

You're right, and bucking the system by breaking the codes, arguing and fighting and threatening your neighbors, doesn't help anything, either, especially your wallet and your temper.

If you need to buck the system, CHALLENGE it in court. Explain to your local zoning commission that the codes are "poorly worded", "poorly written", have too much gray area", "are obsolete" or "invalid", or what ever you think the problem is. Until you, or someone else, does that, the codes will remain the codes, no matter how pissed off you get at them, me, or who ever else points out that you either follow the codes, change the codes, move, or pay the fines. That's it. There are no other options.
Everything, each of those four outcomes are up to you.

 

[Frankie]

I believe in code enforcement, but not when it's invasive and unlawful.

Good stories. Regarding your comment above. Code enforcement might be invasive, even when legal. It depends on how much the inspector finds wrong with your property. Keep in mind that the more he finds wrong, the more he's going to look.

Regarding "unlawful" inspections, remember, unless he has a complaint that he is responding to, you do not have to submit to inspection. You don't even have to talk to him (but I don't recommend that). Any code inspectors must have a written complaint usually signed by a magistrate or judge to enter your property without your permission (I say "usually", because I've lived in a jurisdiction where an inspector can take a complaint from your neighbor, and if the code violations are obvious, they can act on the complaint immediately).

It's not often a good idea to screw with the inspectors, either. Remember they have egos too, and if your address comes up with future violations, the inspectors are less likely to cut you some slack.

Personally, I've found that dealing with them honestly and calmly is the best tact to take. They will usually let you slide without a fine or court date, if your cordial. They will even ask how long you need to get the violation corrected, instead of issuing a deadline, if your not a butthead. Remember, he's really only doing his job, it's not personal to him, unless you make it personal.

Keep in mind that the municipality has computers, too, and the inspectors log the outcome of their visit and discussion with you. If your being a *** hole, well, they put that in there, too, and the next time they visit, even if it's a different inspector, they are forearmed with the notes from both the last complaint, and the last inspection, including your conversation with the inspector, and your demeanor.

Don't get me wrong, you don't have to kiss ***, but you don't have to be a jerk-off, either.

 

[DaveBonds]

It may seem invasive. I dunno, though. I've also had circumstances with other code enforcement agents who I felt were only doing their job and had no problems complying.

It's been well over a decade since I've last had any code issues with anyone. I keep my stuff out of sight, even though I'm on a property that allows it, because I don't like people messing with my stuff.

There is definitely a difference between falling in disfavor of ruling and being bullied by code enforcers. I've experienced both.

The last place that I had paid for storage was a bit of a joke at the end. The guy was remodeling the garage that I was renting, broken glass all over my cars, missing windows, etc. He was working on the house after purchasing it from the owner that I was a contracted tenant of, under lease that he told me he was cool with keeping until I found something else.

I paid him every dime I owed him in the end, even though I wasn't happy about the conditions when I left and it didn't really pan out in my favor. I still think he's a nice guy and I have no hard feelings, even though the conditions of the storage area was unacceptable by my standards. I knew that he was getting the property updated, didn't mean any harm by his work, he didn't steal anything and was willing to work with me.

I'm pretty laid back when it comes down to it. The best thing you can do is know your rights and stick to them. If you want to step up and contest, even if it doesn't go to court, just be sure you have the right to. That's always worked out for me.

I've put it behind me with a decent property zoning in the last two places I've lived.

 

[moparisbest]

Are you in violation of the codes in your area, or not?

No I'm not . Was just speaking from knowledge of my nabour who thought putting up a fence would stop them . They did fly over . I had a yard inspector give me **** about parking in my back yard to change a water pump one time years ago . Told me to move the car now! I said when I get the pump back on the car I would move it. He got mad and said move it now ,so I told him to get fffffd . He got on his radio and said he was having trouble . Here comes the Calvary to his request . What he didn't know was that the cop he was working with that day was someone that I know. I worked on his appliances a time are two . So he asked what was going on and I told him the inspector wanted me to move the car wile it was apart. And that I knew I was in the wrong and that I would move the car with in the hour . He was ok with it but the inspector was pissed. Told me he would be glad when I moved from his district . I told him ill be glad when your old *** retires . Well like a year later I did some yard work one weekend and had tied up some brush to take to the dump on a Monday before work . I was woke up from bed like 6am to see yep you guessed it the inspector in my back yard uniting my bundles and throwing the brush all over my yard,and taking pics of it . I waited till he was done . I went out and pointed out my camera I had on my house pointing at the back yard . And told him to clean up his mess leave my yard and to never come back are bother me again or I would give the video to his boss and the local news . True story never seen him again and have never been wrote up again .

 

[abodyjoe]

Should have plastered that video all over the place.

 

[Frankie]

No I'm not .

Cool. No need to look over your shoulder.

Was just speaking from knowledge of my nabour who thought putting up a fence would stop them . They did fly over .

Well, it depends how your codes are written. Some, as in my area don't permit unregistered vehicles parked in the street, in your driveway, or in your back yard. In another area that I lived, it was OK as long as it was off the public right of way. Though they did site you if you had more than one unregistered vehicle.

I had a yard inspector give me **** about parking in my back yard to change a water pump one time years ago . Told me to move the car now! I said when I get the pump back on the car I would move it. He got mad and said move it now ,so I told him to get fffffd . He got on his radio and said he was having trouble . Here comes the Calvary to his request . What he didn't know was that the cop he was working with that day was someone that I know. I worked on his appliances a time are two . So he asked what was going on and I told him the inspector wanted me to move the car wile it was apart. And that I knew I was in the wrong and that I would move the car with in the hour . He was ok with it but the inspector was pissed. Told me he would be glad when I moved from his district . I told him ill be glad when your old *** retires . Well like a year later I did some yard work one weekend and had tied up some brush to take to the dump on a Monday before work . I was woke up from bed like 6am to see yep you guessed it the inspector in my back yard uniting my bundles and throwing the brush all over my yard,and taking pics of it . I waited till he was done . I went out and pointed out my camera I had on my house pointing at the back yard . And told him to clean up his mess leave my yard and to never come back are bother me again or I would give the video to his boss and the local news . True story never seen him again and have never been wrote up again .

You should have filed charges against him. That's just the type of person that doesn't need to have any authority at all. I'd have loved to be in the hearing when you produced that video.

 

[moparisbest]

Cool. No need to look over your shoulder.

Well, it depends how your codes are written. Some, as in my area don't permit unregistered vehicles parked in the street, in your driveway, or in your back yard. In another area that I lived, it was OK as long as it was off the public right of way. Though they did site you if you had more than one unregistered vehicle.

You should have filed charges against him. That's just the type of person that doesn't need to have any authority at all. I'd have loved to be in the hearing when you produced that video.

I was satisfied just watching him clean my backyard up lol

 

[Jarlaxle]

It might interest you to know that to accomplish what I need to do to meet code, I sold of 4 vehicles. I keep only one hobby car, and have rented a storage bin for the parts I have. I don't consider having to sell off 4 cars to meet a local code to be a "fortunate" position. I did it to comply with existing code (read: law). I didn't like it, but, as I stated and repeat here, it's what I had to do to meet code, if I wanted to continue to live in this neighborhood.

THANK YOU SIR, MAY I HAVE ANOTHER!

I also had an option to move to a location with less restrictive covenants. I never seriously considered that option. Since I decided to stay, I could either meet those codes or be continuously harassed and fined, and possibly even lose those vehicles, not to mention just being a poor citizen and neighbor, and yes, that matters to me.

So, you're a coward.

People have to understand that there are laws that also government what you can and can't do EVEN ON YOUR OWN PROPERTY. You don't have to like that, but, if you break those laws, it's going to cost you. Being bullheaded about it solves absolutely nothing, and your "troubles" will continue. Ignoring the law doesn't make anything better,and it won't just go away.

If you have cars and parts strewn about your property, and have had requests from your neighbors to clean up, or had letters from the local authorities to clean up, and you ignore them, YOU ARE THEY PROBLEM. Not the Neighbors, not the authorities.
You are creating the issue, you have the power to solve it. If you don't, the government authority will do it for you.

Same horseshit, different stall.

It becomes other people's business when you make it so. You do that by ignoring the codes and covenant that everyone else agreed to follow when they purchased property in that community, as did you. The governing authorities represent the others of your community, against you, and that is at YOUR desecration.In other words, the choice is yours, and you can take it as far as you like. If you win, great! Life goes on as usual. If you lose, you lose. Be prepared for some major changes, either by your own hand, or the community's.

Retroactive zoning laws are nothing new. Been there and done that.

Not only is it not a "perfect analogy, it's completely off topic.
Have a car in your drive way is one thing, have a collection of parts and parts cars in that same place is another argument, completely.

btw, your comment, "...I have to get rid of my property because the majority has a code". Is completely wrong. It has nothing to do with the "majority". The code 100% of the residents. Not just a "majority". Everyone is liable to meet code. By not doing so, you are looking for preferential treatment under the law. IOW The laws of you community apply to everyone except you.
Your disagreement with local law doesn't give you a right to ignore them. You can try to fight it, or even change it, but, simply ignoring them puts you in violation. Bravado, testosterone, and any other BS that you want to use as your argument will not stand up in court. If you want your cake and eat it too, I recommend you develop an argument that will convince a judge that you should be exempt from a law that governs everyone else in your community. If you can't do that, your options are to get legal, or continue to be harassed, fined, and possibly even suffer the loss of some of your stuff.
That's the cold hard reality, with none of the emotional BS.

You select where you live, and by doing so you also agree to abide by the "rules" that govern the location, or suffer the consequences. That's a decision you have to make.

Again: retrocative changes are nothing new.

Buying a house can be considered a contract that you will abide by the laws, codes, covenants, that govern that location. If you fail in that "agreement" you are the issue, not the code, not the neighbor.

It describes a scrap yard. If you wish to live in one I recommend you visit your local planning and zoning committee to either find a location zoned for such, or do your best to have your residential zoning changed to accommodate your person desire, over that of the rest of your community.

...is another man's trash.

So...were you the one who, as a child, had two favorite words? Namely, I'M TELLING!