I went to get a hot tub permit, but that resulted in a $270,000 fine – I lost my rights, it’s like I no longer own my house

A HOMEOWNER was fined hundreds of thousands of dollars after installing a hot tub despite claiming to have permission from the city.

Robin Brewer of Sacramento, California, first installed a hot tub in her backyard in the spring of 2019.

She later stated that she had gone through the appropriate channels with the city before installing the jacuzzi in her Curtis Park home.

However, she soon began to suffer daily fines.

Brewer, an attorney for the state Department of Water Sources, told Sacramento Bee that authorities alleged she violated city code in connection with the unauthorized construction of the hot tub and a fence around her property.

Starting in May 2019, the city of Sacramento reportedly began fining her $250 per day for the alleged violations.

The city also sued Brewer for the fines.

As of April 2022, Brewer allegedly owes the city more than $270,000, according to the outlet.

“It’s a lot in a day,” Brewer told the Sacramento Bee.

“I will take the matter to the U.S. Supreme Court if necessary.”

Because of the fines, Brewer said authorities placed a lien on the title of his home.

She claimed she was unable to obtain additional home loans or refinance her home.

“It’s like you don’t own your house anymore,” she said.

Brewer fought the fines, filing suit against city officials.

In his lawsuit, reviewed by the Sacramento Bee, Brewer claimed he had contacted the city to obtain a building permit before construction.

She claimed that at the time, authorities told her that a license was not required.

The lawsuit reportedly alleged that after the hot tub was installed, officials backtracked and claimed the permit was necessary.

In October 2022, the issue was finally resolved.

What is an HOA?

One in five Americans lives in an area with a Home Owners Association – or HOA. But what exactly do they do?

• An HOA is a homeowners association – an organization that aims to maintain a clean, cohesive place for its residents to live.
• Entire neighborhoods, subdivisions, condominiums, single-family homes or townhouses within “a planned development” will often constitute an HOA.
• They also serve as a regulatory body for the tenants, who manage and finance the HOA through monthly fees.
• Its main goals are to keep the community functional and visually appealing and maintain property values.
• They focus primarily on a neighborhood’s common areas, like roads, parks, and pools — but they can also stipulate what residents can do with their property, like yards and sidewalks.
• These restrictions often impose uniformity on properties, for example, ensuring that most houses look the same and that all sidewalks are free of weeds.
• An HOA Rule Book of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&R) is distributed to all residents, and an elected volunteer board of directors enforces these regulations.
• Violating these rules can result in penalties such as fines and even litigation – as most HOAs are incorporated and subject to state law.
• HOAs are often the subject of controversy, with some members feeling that the rules are too punitive and restrictive, or that the leadership has too much power.
• But other HOAs like this give communities the power of self-government and can ensure a degree of harmony among residents.

City officials supposedly agreed pay Brewer $10,000 and drop the original lawsuit over the fines if she dropped her countersuit.

As part of the agreement, Brewer also said he would obtain an official permit for the remaining construction of a wall around the hot tub.

She reportedly said construction would end on March 15, 2023.

Brewer did not immediately respond to US Sun’s request for comment.

At the time of the settlement, City Attorney Susana Alcala Wood told the Sacramento Bee that the city was eager to resolve the issue.

“The city expects Ms. Brewer to apply for her permits, as required by city code, and bring this matter to a close,” Wood said.

Sacramento homeowners facing similar problems due to unexpected fines for code violations can appeal decisions.

Sacramento city officials did not immediately respond to the US Sun’s request for comment.