{"id":265,"date":"2024-07-12T11:22:43","date_gmt":"2024-07-12T11:22:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/voklaw.com\/blog\/?p=265"},"modified":"2025-07-02T15:57:11","modified_gmt":"2025-07-02T15:57:11","slug":"hidden-hazards-the-thomases-battle-with-unpermitted-structures-and-past-violations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/voklaw.com\/blog\/hidden-hazards-the-thomases-battle-with-unpermitted-structures-and-past-violations\/","title":{"rendered":"Hidden Hazards: The Thomases’ Battle with Unpermitted Structures and Past Violations."},"content":{"rendered":"

Imagine purchasing your dream property only to be blindsided by fines and legal battles over issues you didn\u2019t create. This is the reality for the Thomases in Humboldt County, California. After buying a property unknowingly used for illegal cannabis cultivation by previous owners, they now face at least $1 million in fines due to an unpermitted structure. This case underscores the critical importance of thorough property investigations before buying, as hidden violations can lead to significant financial and legal consequences<\/a> for new homeowners.<\/p>\n

Background<\/strong><\/h2>\n

In 2019, Humboldt County’s code enforcement department raided the property in Miranda, an unincorporated community, and shut down an illegal cannabis operation. The then-owners were cited for unlicensed cultivation and having an unpermitted structure, leading to an administrative penalty of $12,000 over 90 days.<\/p>\n

Six days after the Thomases purchased the property, they received an order from the county to cease cultivation\u2014which they claim they never engaged in\u2014and to demolish the unpermitted building. Unable to afford the $180,000 required for demolition and permits, they used insurance money from a home lost in the Woolsey fire to buy the property.<\/p>\n

Legal Battle<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The Thomases are now involved in a legal dispute<\/a> over whether they and other property owners in similar situations should be responsible for paying fees for violations committed by previous owners. According to their attorney, Jared McClain of the Institute for Justice, no outstanding permit violations appeared in the title search conducted when they purchased the property.<\/p>\n

Expert Insights<\/h3>\n

Experts weigh in on whether new homeowners can be held liable for past violations:<\/p>\n

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    Responsibility of New Owners:<\/strong><\/h3>\n