Property owner defends right to independent review
Thomas Lippman, like too many Oakland property owners, has been abused by an out of control bureaucracy. He’s taking a stand, demanding scrutiny of the bureaucrats’ treatment of him. In 2010, the county’s Grand Jury sharply condemned the building department for its abusive enforcement practices and unfair appeals process.
In light of the history of abuse documented by the Grand Jury, his claim is surprisingly modest – an agency can’t impose $10,000+ in fees without giving property owners a right to an appeal to an independent appeals board or the city council.
