California:
Next door they are building a 5 unit condo complex. They have excavated up to the boundary, and even tunneled a couple of feet under my fence for a stairwell to their garage. Now the ground on my side caving into their pit within 4 feet of my foundations -- the house is suffering real damage. I've complained to city inspectors but they tell me to get an attorney. I can't get an attorney to work on contingency (case is way too complicated for what it may pay, as they have already been sued for criminal activity, have lis pendens on the land, personal assets in trust, etc.). Thus, I will probably have to draft my own complaint, and also find someone who can start filling in the huge several feet deep and long hole on my side. My questions include, is there a law that allows me to enter on their property to make repairs, let me find out their insurance carrier (without having to sue), etc. Also, why is the city of Santa Monica so unwilling to enforce my rights? The city even said a year ago they didn't have to shore when cutting straight down vertically 14 feet. One city inspector has quit, another gone out on medical leave, and those inspectors left refuse to enforce major safety code such as leaving four feet of land unexcavated along my border. [ I assume "unexcavated" means they were never supposed to dig it up -- if anyone knows more about this side boundary setback code, let me know.] Any one who can answer any of these questions -- I would appreciate it. Thanks.
Next door they are building a 5 unit condo complex. They have excavated up to the boundary, and even tunneled a couple of feet under my fence for a stairwell to their garage. Now the ground on my side caving into their pit within 4 feet of my foundations -- the house is suffering real damage. I've complained to city inspectors but they tell me to get an attorney. I can't get an attorney to work on contingency (case is way too complicated for what it may pay, as they have already been sued for criminal activity, have lis pendens on the land, personal assets in trust, etc.). Thus, I will probably have to draft my own complaint, and also find someone who can start filling in the huge several feet deep and long hole on my side. My questions include, is there a law that allows me to enter on their property to make repairs, let me find out their insurance carrier (without having to sue), etc. Also, why is the city of Santa Monica so unwilling to enforce my rights? The city even said a year ago they didn't have to shore when cutting straight down vertically 14 feet. One city inspector has quit, another gone out on medical leave, and those inspectors left refuse to enforce major safety code such as leaving four feet of land unexcavated along my border. [ I assume "unexcavated" means they were never supposed to dig it up -- if anyone knows more about this side boundary setback code, let me know.] Any one who can answer any of these questions -- I would appreciate it. Thanks.