Court Opinion

ID: 9861469
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-09-25 00:04:52.723121+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T11:28:31.750977
License: Public Domain

GIVAN, Justice,
dissenting.
I cannot agree with the majority opinion in this case that the trial judge abused his discretion in refusing an injunction requiring appellee to demolish a partially reconstructed house.
As pointed out by the majority, the trial court in fact did hold the ordinance under which the Board was operating valid, found that the appellee was in violation, and in fact fined the appellee $1500 for violation. However, I think the trial court acted within its sound discretion in refusing to order the partially renovated building to be destroyed.
It is obvious that a building in fact had existed on the premises. When renovation was started, it became apparent that considerable damage had been done by insects, and it in fact was more practical to completely rebuild the structure. It was in the rebuilding of the structure that appellee violated several facets of the code, including a failure to get permission to rebuild.
It seems obvious the trial court felt it was too harsh to require a total dismantling of the structure when there was a possibility for a revamping of the plans to bring the structure within the mandates of the ordinance. I do not believe this Court is in a position to reweigh those facts to such an extent as to order a complete demolition and require the appellee to start over with a bare lot. The trial court was in a far better position to make this judgment than is this Court.
I would affirm the trial court.
DICKSON, J., concurs.