Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California

Under most sets of rules governing the use of real estate, there are guidelines and procedures whereby the owner can apply for changes. These rules and guidelines differ substantially from one situation to another, and may depend upon whether they are ordinances, recorded CC&Rs;, or simply the current rules of an HOA or the like. You need to do substantially more local investigation in your town, development, neighborhood, or whatever, to determine what the rules are, whether there are "rules for changing the rules", whether they were followed, and finally, whether the construction adheres to the rules, as they currently exist. Perhaps a local lawyer with real-estate experience could assist you.