Q: I wrote to you about 12 years ago regarding a neighbor’s tree and you were kind enough to publish my letter – your answer was more than helpful in solving the problem. Now I’m back. My husband and I moved to a 5-acre lot between Vacaville and Winters, though we aren’t tech nically in either city. We moved here to retire. We wanted some acreage for horses, maybe a good-sized garden, and just because we were tired of living in the suburbs. The problem is the “neighborhood” makes me feel like I’m driving through a Third World country. Many of the neighboring parcels are stockpiled with old rusted cars and other eyesores that I think anyone would consider trash. There are at least two parcels that are owned by guys running different sorts of construction businesses, which causes a lot of heavy equipment to be stored in plain sight. And, of course, they drive those vehicles up and down our two-lane road all day long. So my question is whether there are any laws that require property owners to keep their properties out here in a civilized manner? Is this really just part of country living in Solano County? Maybe the ’burbs weren’t so bad after all?
A: The short answer to your legal question is the classic “yes and no” answer. But before I get into that, the answer to your more general question about being a part of country living is often “yes.”
People move to the country for many reasons, but among them is the desire to store stuff. Often a lot of stuff!
Whether that’s cement mixers, backhoes or old cars, you need ground to park them on, and the rural areas in the county provide the cheapest
Tim Jonesexperiencing, many more homeowners move to the country with
Had you moved to a far more expensive area, the economics of the location would have limited the owners who use their properties as a corporate yard for their business or, worse, a junkyard.
But be that as it may, there are likely some things you can do and the county has a departdeal with this issue.
In 1993, the county supervisors established the Solano County Code Compliance Department. Their mission is to enforce the rather large body of county and state laws regulating what property owners can and can’t do in rural areas.
So let’s talk about old, abandoned and rusted cars.
Chapter 6.5 of the county code, which you can Google for yourself, gives the county broad discretion to deal with rusted junkers.
Keeping in mind that one person’s junker is another person’s waiting-to-be-rebuilt classic car, a county code compliance officer can come out and take a look. This applies to cars on private property as well as public.
If the officer deems that the car is in such a bad condition it can be inferred the owner intended to abandon it, the car can be towed. Maybe. Someday.
Although it’s not quite that
See Jones, Page 14
TOTAL SALES: 4
LOWEST AMOUNT: $710,000
HIGHEST AMOUNT: $1,275,000
MEDIAN AMOUNT: $840,000
AVERAGE AMOUNT: $916,250
1381 West L Street - $1,275,000
04-14-23 [3 Bdrms - 3058 SqFt - 1986 YrBlt]
9 Ridge Circle - $910,000
04-14-23 [4 Bdrms - 1964 SqFt - 1946 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 00/1991, $265,000
601 Rose Drive - $710,000
04-14-23 [3 Bdrms - 1502 SqFt - 1988 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 07-16-98, $204,900
542 Solano Drive - $770,000
04-11-23 [3 Bdrms - 1663 SqFt - 1987 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 12-22-17, $560,000
TOTAL SALES: 2
LOWEST AMOUNT: $464,000
HIGHEST AMOUNT: $600,000
MEDIAN AMOUNT: $532,000
AVERAGE AMOUNT: $532,000
615 South Almond Street - $464,000
04-14-23 [4 Bdrms - 1269 SqFt - 1966 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 01-23-18, $345,000
370 Heritage Lane - $600,000
04-14-23 [3 Bdrms - 2100 SqFt - 2017 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 12-19-19, $482,000
TOTAL SALES: 18
LOWEST AMOUNT: $325,000
HIGHEST AMOUNT: $1,330,000
MEDIAN AMOUNT: $547,500
AVERAGE AMOUNT: $579,611
1024 1st Street - $420,000
04-13-23 [3 Bdrms - 1326 SqFt - 1952 YrBlt]
1721 Autumn Meadow Drive - $595,000
04-11-23 [3 Bdrms - 1307 SqFt - 1997 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 07-03-19, $425,000
2864 Bay Tree Drive - $520,000
04-14-23 [3 Bdrms - 1067 SqFt - 1987 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 10-06-14, $260,000
2854 Conifer Drive - $675,000
04-14-23 [3 Bdrms - 2250 SqFt - 1992 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 06-25-19, $500,000
349 Fielding Court - $660,000
04-13-23 [3 Bdrms - 1868 SqFt - 2017 YrBlt]
5157 Freitas Way - $635,000
04-14-23 [4 Bdrms - 2304 SqFt - 2007
YrBlt], Previous Sale: 09-10-10, $285,000
506 Malvasia Court - $570,000
04-14-23 [3 Bdrms - 1461 SqFt - 2005 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 12-29-21, $595,000
109 Manchester Drive - $380,000
04-10-23 [2 Bdrms - 1014 SqFt - 1994 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 10-15-10, $80,500
2446 Marquette Way - $525,000
04-14-23 [3 Bdrms - 1475 SqFt - 1983 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 04-18-02, $245,000
5211 Oakridge Drive - $1,330,000
04-14-23 [4 Bdrms - 3679 SqFt - 2005 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 12-08-14, $870,000
396 East Pacific Avenue - $505,000
04-12-23 [4 Bdrms - 1248 SqFt - 1967 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 12-07-12, $65,000
2036 Robin Drive - $495,000
04-13-23 [4 Bdrms - 1285 SqFt - 1963 YrBlt]
1857 San Anselmo Street - $500,000
04-10-23 [3 Bdrms - 1287 SqFt - 1961 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 04-17-17, $335,000
3148 Shetland Court - $675,000
04-13-23 [4 Bdrms - 2127 SqFt - 1988 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 04-07-15, $369,000
4785 Stonewood Drive - $583,000
04-11-23 [3 Bdrms - 1485 SqFt - 1992 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 07-16-19, $420,000
1308 Potrero Circle - $581,000
04-10-23 [3 Bdrms - 1564 SqFt - 1996 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 07-24-19, $428,500
TOTAL SALES: 26
LOWEST AMOUNT: $290,500
HIGHEST AMOUNT: $790,000
MEDIAN AMOUNT: $543,750
AVERAGE AMOUNT: $549,538
386 Bartlett Lane - $510,000
04-10-23 [2 Bdrms - 1395 SqFt - 2000
YrBlt], Previous Sale: 04-11-18, $380,000
201 Berrywood Court - $790,000
04-10-23 [5 Bdrms - 2707 SqFt - 1994 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 11-27-00, $425,000
116 Birch Street - $360,000
04-13-23 [3 Bdrms - 1359 SqFt - 1948 YrBlt]
401 Buck Avenue - $650,000
04-10-23 [3 Bdrms - 1684 SqFt - 1958 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 10-17-16, $420,000
542 Burlington Drive - $542,500
04-11-23 [4 Bdrms - 1602 SqFt - 1978 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 00/1990, $145,000
913 Cloverbrook Circle - $680,000
04-11-23 [4 Bdrms - 2333 SqFt - 1999 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 06-21-99, $207,122
130 Del Rio Circle #1 - $339,000
04-14-23 [2 Bdrms - 820 SqFt - 1971 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 10-04-17, $200,000
432 Dennis Drive - $675,000
04-12-23 [3 Bdrms - 1500 SqFt - 1976 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 08-24-18, $495,000
195 Deodara Street - $489,000
04-14-23 [4 Bdrms - 1468 SqFt - 1961 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 12-29-15, $260,000
632 Edenderry Drive - $565,000
AMOUNT: $572,000
AMOUNT: $581,000
AMOUNT: $576,500
AMOUNT: $576,500 818
Drive - $572,000
[3 Bdrms - 1434 SqFt - 1989 YrBlt],
04-13-23 [4 Bdrms - 1663 SqFt - 1999 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 05-07-18, $450,000
160 Edgewater Drive - $677,000
04-14-23 [4 Bdrms - 1962 SqFt - 1978 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 11-17-05, $608,000
1913 Forest Lane - $540,000
04-10-23 [3 Bdrms - 1345 SqFt - 1969 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 02-14-08, $295,000
139 East Hemlock Street - $376,000
These are the local homes sold recently, provided by California Resource of Lodi. The company can be reached at 209.365.6663 or CalResource@aol.com.
04-14-23 [3 Bdrms - 1144 SqFt - 1958 YrBlt]
101 Isle Royale Circle - $410,000
04-12-23 [2 Bdrms - 1152 SqFt - 1964 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 06-09-99, $110,000
400 Marshall Road - $425,000
04-10-23 [3 Bdrms - 1325 SqFt - 1976 YrBlt]
319 Maverick Drive - $750,000
04-11-23 [3 Bdrms - 2464 SqFt - 2015 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 10-15-21, $484,000
1120 Meadowlark Drive - $625,000
04-11-23 [4 Bdrms - 2097 SqFt - 1988 YrBlt]
1007 Mission Bay Drive - $715,000
04-10-23 [4 Bdrms - 1853 SqFt - 2003
YrBlt], Previous Sale: 06-25-03, $353,881
1236 Notre Dame Circle - $615,000
04-14-23 [4 Bdrms - 2132 SqFt - 1991 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 04-22-99, $198,000
3541 Nut Tree Road - $545,000
04-10-23 [3 Bdrms - 1334 SqFt - 1976 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 05-15-19, $420,000
198 Olympic Circle - $379,000
04-14-23 [2 Bdrms - 918 SqFt - 1963 YrBlt]
177 Rainier Circle - $290,500
04-12-23 [2 Bdrms - 1152 SqFt - 1963 YrBlt]
818 Roadrunner Way - $765,000
04-12-23 [5 Bdrms - 2765 SqFt - 2020 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 08-12-20, $586,000
307 Royal Oaks Drive - $380,000
04-14-23 [4 Bdrms - 2039 SqFt - 1974 YrBlt]
655 Spillman Circle - $525,000
04-14-23 [3 Bdrms - 1212 SqFt - 2008 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 06-19-18, $435,000
637 Tralee Court - $670,000
04-11-23 [3 Bdrms - 2351 SqFt - 1988 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 05-16-03, $355,000
TOTAL SALES: 21
LOWEST AMOUNT: $264,000
HIGHEST AMOUNT: $1,000,000
MEDIAN AMOUNT: $510,000
AVERAGE AMOUNT: $515,286
1620 Alabama Street - $510,000
04-12-23 [3 Bdrms - 1177 SqFt - 1938 YrBlt]
59 Baldwin Street - $270,000
04-12-23 [2 Bdrms - 720 SqFt - 1977 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 03-21-11, $50,000
125 Bayview Avenue - $495,000
04-11-23 [3 Bdrms - 928 SqFt - 1938 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 11-23-21, $190,000
885 Brookwood Avenue - $264,000
04-14-23 [3 Bdrms - 1100 SqFt - 1954 YrBlt]
160 Fremont Street - $642,000
Installing solar panels provides many financial benefits and reduces your home’s carbon footprint, but the upfront costs of solar might turn you away. Fortunately, there are many solar financing options to choose from to work with any budget.
The entire solar installation process can be overwhelming. Picking a company, choosing solar panels, contacting installers and working through tax documents (on top of your everyday life) may cause stress. Power purchase agreements (PPA) are an alternative method for obtaining solar energy without much of the busy work.
A solar power purchase agreement is a contract between the user (you) and supplier (solar developer) for solar energy. Similar to a cell phone bill where you pay for the data used, and your provider installs and maintains phone lines. In a solar PPA, you pay the developer for the energy your panels generate. The solar developer is in charge of designing, installing and maintaining your solar panel system. The developer pays for the materials and you pay a monthly fixed rate per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of energy used. Rather than relying on your local utility company to provide your power, you generate your own energy using solar panels and pay the developer for the green energy generated. PPAs can reduce the financial risks of solar because you are not the owner and not responsible for the upfront costs. Instead, you can enjoy lower energy bills while powering your home with green energy. PPAs may also be a good solar option if you do not have the ability to claim the lucrative incentives or tax credits.
After deciding to go solar through
a PPA, you will sign a contract with a developer. Solar panels can last beyond the standard 25-year warranty, so the contracts may extend up to 25 years, too. Similar to other solar processes, design approval, permitting and inspections are all necessary steps before the solar system can be installed. The whole solar installation process can take up to six months, depending on the installer and your local utility.
Instead of relying solely on the traditional electricity grid for your energy, you will use energy generated by the solar system installed on your roof to power your home. A key point to remember is you will be charged for the energy generated, whether you use more or less. The rate usually is less than you would pay for traditional electricity, resulting in immediate savings on your energy bills. While the solar company is responsible for solar panel upkeep and maintenance, you benefit from using clean energy and a reduced carbon footprint. At the end of your contract, you have the option to extend the PPA, purchase the solar panels at market value, or cancel and have the solar panels removed. Review your contract to evaluate all purchase options and terms.
You need to be comfortable with the agreement term before you sign a PPA. The rate you pay for solar energy in a PPA may be the same or less than what you might pay for retail electricity. If the expected monthly rate in a PPA is higher than your typical electricity bill, a different solar panel financing option may be a better fit for you.
While contracts may include fixed rates, read the fine print about annual price increases, called elevators, are often part of PPAs. Rising inflation and utility operation costs can further impact your savings or break-even point. With fixed rates, you expect the rate to remain the same for the contract length, but agreement details will include information about potential rate increases.
See Solar, Page 6
Consider asking solar developers or current PPA customers about their experience with rate increases before deciding whether a PPA fits your budget.
Three key entities are involved in a PPA: you (the homeowner), a solar developer and the utility grid. Everyone must agree to the terms of the PPA before solar can be installed and activated.
The solar developer is responsible for designing, coordinating, building and maintaining the solar panels. They pay the upfront costs and own the panels. The developer will also receive the financial benefits from solar incentives. Solar developers profit from selling you solar energy, as well as claiming renewable energy credits and incentives –including the 30% federal solar tax credit.
As the homeowner, you provide a location for developers to install solar panels to power your home. You do not own the
panels but you pay a fixed rate for the kWh of energy generated. The rates are usually lower than retail electricity rates, saving you money on energy costs. However, you are responsible for the the generated cost. If you use less energy than the system generates, you may be overpaying for electricity. Ask your installer how net metering benefits work in your PPA contract.
Many states require solar systems to stay connected to the grid. You will still have power when your solar panels produce less energy, like at night or in winter. Excess energy generated by the solar systems, without an optional battery, returns to the utility grid. The solar developer receives any energy credits from solar energy renewable credits (SRECs).
Purchasing a solar system outright is not for every budget, and tax incentives are not beneficial to every homeowner. If you’re searching for another solar option, explore the benefits of a PPA.
n PPAs are an option to avoid expensive upfront solar costs and
pay a monthly bill instead of paying for solar panels and other equipment like solar batteries.
n The solar developer is responsible for maintenance for the duration of the contract.
n You enjoy eco-friendly energy and lower monthly energy costs.
n Reduce your carbon footprint.
There are additional factors to consider before entering a PPA. Review the following before signing a contract.
n If the solar system installed does not cover 100% of your energy needs, you may end up paying two bills, one to the solar developer and another to your utility.
n Depending on the available incentives in your state, you may have to pay higher property taxes due to solar panel installation.
n You are not the owner of the solar panels, so you can not benefit from tax incentives or rebates.
Q: What’s the difference between a solar PPA and a solar lease?
PPAs and solar leases are similar, but the main difference
is the monthly fee. In a solar lease, you pay a fixed monthly payment to the solar developer. In a PPA, you pay a fixed rate per kWh of energy generated.
Q: Am I eligible for solar incentives under a solar PPA?
No. In a solar PPA, you do not qualify for incentives because you do not own the panels.
Q: What happens when my PPA contract ends?
When your PPA contract ends, you have three options.
You can terminate the PPA and the solar developer will remove the panels. If you want to keep the panels, you can sign a new contract. The third option is to purchase the solar system at its current value, which is much less than typical upfront costs because of the system’s age. Some PPAs may offer a buyout after a certain period of time before the contract is over. Read over the contract to fully understand your options.
We can use ANY Bank or Investors Wholesale dept. We are not confined to just one source. Why have 5 banks pull your credit, when we can pull it once and get bids for you from 5 banks??
Silver Falls dichondra trails in artistic fashion from these lamppost baskets also planted with Heart to Heart, Fast Flash caladiums and Snow Princess sweet alyssum.
NORMAN
WINTER/TNS
PHOTOS
There is nothing like a virtual visit to the falls to check the pulse rate of the garden ing public – I can tell you it has reached a wonderful stage of artistic maturity. I can imagine the puzzled look on your face right now as you start to wonder what in the world The Garden Guy is talking about. The answer is Proven Accents’ Silver Falls dichondra.
When this plant arrived on the scene, there was mostly fear, trepidation, maybe even some disdain that the green industry would be introducing a dichondra.
A glance at many herbicide labels tells you it will help control or eliminate dichondra. Yikes, this must be bad news!
Silver Falls dichondra, known botanically as Dichondra argentea, is a Proven Winners Proven Accent plant and represents the crème de la crème for mixed containers, hayracks and even hanging baskets all across the country. It has become a mandatory plant for hanging gardens at the finest shopping centers.
The Garden Guy did a pulse
From Page 7
check on the gardening public by posting an uncomfortable if not challenging photo on my Facebook page. It was a plant ing done by my color design guru son James. The picture fea tured really long trails of Silver Falls dichondra tumbling several feet out of the basket, first making you ask, is that OK? In the baskets were Heart to Heart Fast Flash caladiums.
Had I reached 75,000 garden ers view my Facebook post, I would have been elated. That the reach was right at 450,000 was an absolute shocker. Everyone began asking where they could get Silver Falls. My thoughts were that this is going to be a great garden year, as Silver Falls is the ultimate artistic plant. One extra fun thing is it won the Best Performer Award at the Cincinnati Zoo.
If growing Silver Falls in a mixed container, choose a good, light, airy potting mix with good water and nutrient holding capacity. There is no fuss, insect or disease pressures are practically nonexistent, and no pinching is required. Silver Falls even recovers quickly if wilted.
Whatever the mixed container or basket planting you are creating, finish it by adding the silver leaf, Silver Falls dichondra. Partner it with Supertunia petunias and Superbells calibrachoas. Let it intermingle and fall southward in a mix with Luscious Grape lantana. Thinking about using an exotic bromeliad in a container? Let Silver Falls be a part of the mix.
Silver Falls also offers you a wonderful opportunity to use it as a small patch of ground cover in the landscape. It forms a dense mat able to cover or choke out most weeds. Whether
you are using it in containers or as a ground cover, its stark contrast in color and leaf texture are outstanding traits. Two to 4 inches high with a spread up to 4 feet-plus is a remarkable growth habit.
This looks to be an exciting year for gardeners everywhere with plant choices. One thing for certain is incorporating plants like the Proven Accents’ Silver Falls dichondra into your designs will be like adding your signature to the painting.
(Norman Winter is a horticulturist, garden speaker and author of “Tough-as-Nails Flowers for the South” and “Captivating Combinations: Color and Style in the Garden.” He receives complimentary plants to review from the companies he covers.
20th & 21st
Advertise your listing or upcoming Open House on this On The Market Page and receive an additional run in the Daily Republic on Sunday and on DailyRepublic.com
Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Call today to reserve your space.
Open House Saturday 11-2PM
61 3 Idyllwild Ct, Fairfield
4/3+loft, 3161sf on an.19 acre landscaped lot in a private court, just steps away from all GV Lake amenities. Amazing parklike byard! Too much to list!
$875,000
Bonnie Falk & Bobby Schultze
REALTOR® BRE#00858829/ BRE#02059665
(707) 321-6916/(707) 389-9331
OPEN
Open House Sunday 1-4PM
2760 Sales Lane, Fairfield
Breathtaking Views from this 4500+ sq. ft. Custom Hilltop Home on 5 acres. 3BR/3.5BA. Open Concept, Oversize Garage/Workshop, RV Parking, just a few of the amazing features. 3 Flat Acres sit at bottom of property, too many possibilities. $1,975,000
Carolyn Munson
BRE#01851623 (707) 803-1662
OPEN
Open House Sunday 1-3PM
247 Bridgewater Circle, Suisun City
Lovely updated 4bd/2.5ba turnkey home. Spacious living & dining area. Updated kitchen & great room combo w/fp. Primary suite w/ensuite bthrm & walk-in closet. Brand-new roof! Private large byard beautifully landscaped & no rear neighbors. $575,000
Monique Kenner & Associate
REALTOR® BRE#01475803
(707) 297-9266
First Open House! Saturday 1-4PM 919 Lochearn Court, Vacaville WOW! 4/4, 3300sf+ on 17,000sf+lot. One of a kind home w/2 en suite BRs, 3 1st flr BRs, entertaining space in & out! Fabulous byard w/inground pool & spa. $1,100,000
Robin Stucker & Sheilah Tucker REALTOR® BRE#01347484/ 01487823
707) 688-7966/(707) 631-2175
From
04-14-23 [4 Bdrms - 1696 SqFt - 1973 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 11-01-22, $250,000
1201 Glen Cove Parkway #207$320,000
04-11-23 [1 Bdrms - 665 SqFt - 1992 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 02-23-21, $299,000
1201 Glen Cove Parkway #112$392,000
04-14-23 [2 Bdrms - 1014 SqFt - 1992 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 01-02-18, $291,000
2009 Indiana Street - $625,500
04-12-23 [3 Bdrms - 1672 SqFt - 1939 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 08-16-16, $432,000
157 Janice Street - $570,000
04-11-23 [3 Bdrms - 1230 SqFt - 1960 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 09-15-22, $300,000
166 Janice Street - $360,000
04-13-23 [3 Bdrms - 1063 SqFt - 1960 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 12-09-14, $220,000
450 Klein Avenue - $720,000
04-14-23 [3 Bdrms - 2039 SqFt - 2005
YrBlt], Previous Sale: 02-01-12, $255,000
104 Maple Avenue - $355,500
04-10-23 [2 Bdrms - 885 SqFt - 1940 YrBlt]
1527 Mcdougal Street - $630,000
04-11-23 [5 Bdrms - 2404 SqFt - 2004 YrBlt],
Previous Sale: 01-13-09, $275,000
115 Michael Court - $610,000
04-11-23 - 1752 SqFt, Previous Sale:
$375,000
To
From Page 3
quick and easy because there are administrative procedures to be gone through, including a hearing, but the point is there’s a method for dealing with the problem.
The same type of process applies to other junk that constitutes a nuisance.
But when it comes to running a business out there you get into deeper waters.
Zoning laws restrict what types of businesses can operate where. It’s very possible there are relatively few zoning laws restricting the types of busi-
nesses you describe in your area. But that’s something for the Solano County Planning Department to figure out.
However, even if the businesses are being conducted legally, they still can’t create an unreasonable nuisance to the other residents.
Longtime readers will recognize the term “unreasonable” since it floats through much of real estate law. And, of course, what constitutes unreasonable is in the dust-filled eyes of the beholder.
So what to do?
You can move, of course.
But assuming that’s not your first choice, call the code compliance folks at 707-784-6765.
They will most likely have you fill out a form explaining
exactly what you are complaining about, which should trigger at least some form of investigation.
My suggestion is that you pick the worst offender on the street and start there. Once that’s taken care of you can move on to the next problem. Generally speaking, my experience is that the odds of getting something done go way up if you pick one target at a time.
Tim Jones is a real estate attorney in Fairfield. If you have any real estate questions you would like to have answered in this column, you can contact him at AllThingsRealEstate@ TJones-Law.com.
CALL 707-427.6927
