City Condems House Because Woman Was Trying to Save Money By Using Solar Panels and Batteries Instead of Utility Power
January 28th, 2010Via: Arizona Republic:
An Avondale woman who spent 11 days sleeping in her car said the city treated her unfairly when her home was condemned in December for lack of electricity.
But city officials said Christine Stevens violated building codes, a health and safety concern because Avondale homes are required to have heating systems and a running refrigerator.
Stevens, 47, was trying to make ends meet by powering her home with solar panels and batteries for several months before Avondale code enforcement officials visited her on Dec. 10.
“We explained to her that the panels weren’t enough to sustain a quality of life there,” said Pam Altounian, code enforcement manager for Avondale.
Stevens said she was not given adequate notice before officials gave her 24 hours to contact Arizona Public Service Co. to reconnect electricity or her home would be condemned.
Avondale said a code enforcement officer, Carlena Jones, inspected the property in the 2300 block of North 123rd Lane on Oct. 21 and Nov. 4 and left a notice of violation hanging on the door. According to case reports, both notices went unanswered.
Let me see if I’ve got this right: They thought the house was unfit to live in, so they kicked her out into the street?
I understand why the rules are in place, but sometimes it feels like people aren’t quite thinking when they apply them. It’s that whole letter/spirit thing.
i don’t understad why these rules are in place.
homes are required to have heating systems and a running refrigerator
what? why a fridge? what if you don’t use a fridge? heating systems? surely you only need to show that you have kept the residence in a state that does not adversely affect your health? land of the free………what a bizarre country.