Town not following zone code amendment law

[dvyateshouse]

What is the name of your state? ca
What can one do if the town you live in does not follow the current zone code laws, Nor do they follow the proper methods or procedures to ammend the code to do what they wish. They are doing it this way because they know that they will not be challenged in the court. The citezens are unhappy but do not have the finacial resources to fight them in the courts.

Are there State agencies that govern this?
Are there non profit groups to help in our state?
What are our options.

 

[maxtcat]

I have a similar situation developing here in Michigan. Very thumbnailed:

1. Next door person tore down a legal chain link fence, moved the existing fence line & installed illegal privacy fence along property line, all without obtaining a permit
2. According to my complaint, building department ordered fence removed pending possible appeal
3. Only basis of appeal according to the ordinance is "hardship"
4. It's still to early to tell, but I'm getting the sinking feeling that the board of appeals is going to waive my rights for his desires

Is there any way of getting cities to enforce their ordinances when flagrant violations exits?