What is it like to deal with the City of San Marino?

1) In May 2009 my neighbor erected a fence that was over 6 feet tall and less than 2-inches from the property line in some spots. I called the City Planning Department. Over 3 phone calls with inspector "Billy Bob" I pointed out that the fence is over 6 feet tall and less than 2-inches from the property line. These requirements are clearly stated on the City website in the Zoning Ordinance Chapter 23. At the end "Billy Bob" said "He complied in spirit and I am going to approve it."

I didn't know you can comply with Zoning Ordinances in "Spirit."

2) The same neighbor had a crew with chainsaws trimming the oak trees in his back yard and his parkway strip on a Saturday. The Parks and Public Works manager said no permit is required. That is not what is stated in the Zoning Ordinance. More "in Spirit" compliance with zoning requirements!

3) In Aug/Sep, I had an inspection of my fence for a pool I am installing. "Billy Bob" said my driveway gate was an inch too low and the cross-bar was a few inches too low. Hey, what happened to "in spirit" compliance?

I called the Planning Director and left him a voicemail asking if I can comply in spirit as well? Why is a non-white resident required to comply to the letter of the zoning requirement?

Then another inspector showed up!! He left a note saying my side panel is too low as well. I already knew how these "little people" would react and had asked my contractor to an inch to the height.

Then I pointed out to "Billy Bob" that he should measure the driveway gate from the ground and not just the height of the gate itself. There is a 2-inch premissible gap on the bottom and so my driveway gate is 1 inch over what is required.

4) In November, my contractor went to pull a permit for a side fence. He was told I needed to get a survey done before a permit can be granted.

On Nov 16 I went down to Cith Hall myself because I didn't read that as a requirement anywhere.

The lady tried to tell me the same thing. I asked her to please show me where it says a survey is required for a fence. Then she backed off and said you need a fence line agreement or the fence has to be 2-inches away from the fence line. I told her it is 2 inchese away.

My wife appointed me as her agent by signing the agent appointment form. We needed info on the contractor so I had to come back on Tues. I asked the lady if she can witness that my wife was here and signed the form. She made a copy of her driver's license and said it will be fine tomorrow.

Well, on Tues, the other lady behind the counter said I need to have the appointment form "notarized." I asked her to show me this. She pointed out the form which said "driver'slicense, notarized letter, or....." I said "excuse me, it is "or" not AND" She said "I know my english." I don't think you do.

Then she said "My Director wants this." I said Mr. Saldana can want all he wants but if it is not the law or zoning requirement, he can take a hike. Then I asked, if you need a "notarized" form, where is the place for the notary to sign and put his seal? She said "you have to provide that yourself." Right.

I got my permit.

5) Now the stories I have heard about a realtor passing tickets for a ice skating performance comes to mind. Maybe I should have included a box of Krispy Kreme do-nuts when I submit my permit application. Then I can comply in "Spirit" as well!

San Marino is a nice Southern town. All we need is Detective Virgil Tibbs to come in and clean it up.