Shear Development Co., LLC v. California Coastal Commission
California Coastal Commission unlawfully blocks home construction
Land in California's coastal zone is among the most heavily regulated in the nation, if not the world. But even California's regulations acknowledge that property owners in the coastal zone have the fundamental right to use and develop their land. The State's Coastal Act, for example, limits the power of the California Coastal Commission to veto re ...
Sheetz v. County of El Dorado
Supreme Court rules against extortionate permit fees
CASE RESOURCES Development impact fees: Frequently asked questions Photo gallery Learn about Nollan v. California Coastal Commission, PLF's first Supreme Court win CASE STORY George Sheetz built a career and livelihood as an engineering contractor and consultant in Northern California. In 2016, he began preparing for retirement and b ...
Hall v. Meisner
Michigan families fight to close state’s home equity theft loophole
When Tawanda and Prentiss Hall fell behind on their property taxes, they did what many financially strapped homeowners do: set up a payment plan with the local government. They didn't want to lose the Southfield, Michigan home where they lived with their children. The Oakland County treasurer ended the plan, however, with the tax debt standing a ...
Tyler v. Hennepin County
Victory! Supreme Court declares home equity theft unconstitutional
CASE RESOURCES Photo Library of Home Equity Theft Plaintiffs Frequently Asked Questions Amicus Briefs Report: End Home Equity Theft Watch: What's at Stake in Tyler v. Hennepin County Watch: Where Hailey Lives - Home Equity Theft Documentary Watch: Stealing Homes Pacific Legal Foundation's track record at the Supreme Court ...
Feltner v. Cuyahoga County Board of Revision
Ohio county’s illegal tax foreclosure robs property owner and taxpayers
In 2009, Elliot and Linda Feltner inherited a small body shop in Cleveland, Ohio, from Elliot's mechanic father-in-law. Soon after, Linda was diagnosed with cancer and died three years later. Elliot couldn't afford the steep tax debt, so rather than lose the property to foreclosure, he tried to sell it. Unfortunately, his efforts were delayed fo ...
Peter Stavrianoudakis, et al., v. United States Department of Fish & Wildlife and California Department of Fish & Wildlife
Falconry regulations run afoul of the Bill of Rights
Peter Stavrianoudakis has been enamored with falcons since age 14, when he caught a type of falcon called a kestrel. "My first hunting experiences were in the front yard with the kestrel catching grasshoppers from my hand," Peter recalls. "I kept him for about two years, then set him free." Peter became hooked on falconry—the art of ...
Taylor v. Polhill, et al
Florida’s outdated licensing robs hearing, livelihoods
Dan Taylor spent nearly 30 years as a licensed hearing aid specialist, working from his quaint storefront office in downtown Melbourne, Florida. Dan also works with Mission Hearing a nonprofit that helps reduce the cost of hearing aids for those in need. During all those years, he has never been disciplined or fined by the Florida Board of Hearing ...
Rafaeli, LLC v. Oakland County
Michigan County Steals House for $8 Debt
In 2011, Uri Rafaeli's business—Rafaeli, LLC—purchased a modest rental property in Southfield, Michigan for $60,000. Rafaeli inadvertently underpaid the property's 2011 taxes. He paid his 2012, 2013 taxes in full. After learning he owed money for 2011, Rafaeli tried to pay the full 2011 tax debt in January, 2013. But he mistakenly did not facto ...
Coastal Rights Coalition v. California Coastal Commission
California coastal homeowners at risk by Coastal Commission’s illegal seawall policy
The California Coastal Act is designed to protect public access to California beaches and preserve coastal resources while also respecting the private property rights of those who live and own land along the shoreline. The Coastal Commission, which enforces the Coastal Act, however, is notorious for acting without due regard for the rights of prope ...