Court Opinion

ID: 9776015
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-29 19:16:35.849911+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T07:32:32.934826
License: Public Domain

AKIN, Justice,
dissenting.
I cannot agree with the majority because they have erred in three respects. First, the jury’s finding that Delaporte’s additions were not in keeping with the general architectural scheme of the development was against the great weight and preponderance of the evidence. Second, Preston Square has waived its right to enforce the deed restrictions because of noncompliance with them over a period of time. Third, the nuisance as found by the jury could be abated by a less draconian remedy than by demolition of the wall. Accordingly, I must dissent.
With respect to the jury’s finding that the wall was not in keeping with the architectural scheme, the entire record must be reviewed, and the evidence considered in its totality. Tom Benson Chevrolet, Inc. v. Alvarado, 636 S.W.2d 815 (Tex.Civ.App.—San Antonio 1982, writ ref’d n.r.e.). The record contains numerous exhibits, including photographic evidence, showing privacy walls in the development which are very similar to that built by Delaporte. An examination of these exhibits, together with other testimony, compels the conclusion that the jury’s finding was against the great weight and preponderance of the evidence. Consequently, the jury’s finding that the Preston Square Board of Directors acted in good faith in rejecting Delaporte’s plans for the additions should also fail.
Second, Preston Square waived its right to enforce the deed restrictions against Delaporte. The rules in equity are well settled that restrictive covenants are waived by non-compliance over time and that restrictive covenants may not be selectively enforced. The uncontroverted evidence is that Preston Square, prior to this controversy, had failed to take any action or make any effort to enforce numerous violations of restrictions applicable to the development. Accordingly, I would hold that Preston Square waived these covenants insofar as Delaporte’s additions are concerned.
Additionally, the Mittelmans cannot enforce the restrictive covenants against Del-aporte in equity because they did not seek to do so with clean hands. E.g., Humphreys-Mexia Co. v. Arseneaux, 116 Tex. 603, 297 S.W. 225 (1927). The evidence showed that the Mittelmans had erected a wall to the rear of their property in contravention of the deed restrictions. They should not, therefore, be allowed to seek equity where they have ignored the same restrictions which they now seek to enforce against Delaporte.
Third, I strongly disagree that the draconian remedy ordered by the trial court, and affirmed by the majority, is necessary. An injunction which provides for measures beyond those required to safeguard a protect-able interest of the prevailing party may be held invalid to the extent that it is excessive. Matlock v. Data Processing Security, Inc., 618 S.W.2d 327 (Tex.1981). It is quite probable that the essence of the nuisance — the drainage and light problems which, under the evidence, could be the only basis for the jury’s finding of nuisance — could be abated by measures less drastic than elimination of the wall. Accordingly, I would reverse and remand for a new trial so that the trial court could determine, based upon specific jury findings, the way in which equity could best be served, short of the wall’s demolition.