Oxnard Fees for Re-Roofing Unfair

On Aug. 6, my parents were cited by Oxnard code enforcement for replacing old roof shingles on their house without a permit. They where charged $100.25 that I consider legalized armed robbery with a license. The professional roofers were told not to continue roofing the house until a city inspector comes and checks things out.

Since when is it illegal to maintain your house? What gives the city of Oxnard the right to harass my parents and suck them dry of their cash? How come the code enforcement officer drove by my parents’ house four times before he decided to cite them three days later while the house was being re-roofed? Why did the code enforcement officer not tell my parents they needed a permit before re-roofing their house?

My parents and I can understand paying for a permit to build a structure. But charging them to re-roof and replace old boards is ridiculous! We still believe we have not violated any building codes but we have cooperated with the city.

MICHAEL J. LUNA

Oxnard