Homeowners in the affluent coastal city of Huntington Beach, California, are locked in a legal battle with the Orange County Sanitation District over demands to demolish swimming pools and backyards for sewer pipeline maintenance.
The Dispute at the Heart of the Conflict
A pipeline over 60 years old runs beneath the backyards of 29 properties in this Los Angeles-area beach town. These homes include legal easements granting utility access. To reach the underground line, the Orange County Sanitation District requires excavating significant yard areas, prompting pushback from residents.
Thirteen homeowners have reached settlements, with the district agreeing to cover demolition expenses. The remaining owners refuse and have filed a lawsuit against the district.
Homeowners Voice Frustration and Financial Losses
Tony Shahidi, one of the suing property owners, argues that an easement provides access, not possession. “Easement means access, but OC Sanitation sees this as no, they want possession,” Shahidi stated. He estimates losing $350,000 in home equity if his backyard faces demolition.
Homes in Huntington Beach carry a median sale price of $1.35 million. Residents question city approvals for yard modifications and pool installations within easement zones. Frank Clark, who bought his property 55 years ago, notes his 1973 pool permit was greenlit. “That was a done deal,” Clark said, calling the reversal outrageous.
If the court rules against them, these homeowners could bear the demolition costs themselves. The next hearing is set for May 1.
Regrets from Early Settlers
Some who settled now express regret over extensive damage. Ted Beresford described the work at his property as “total, unmitigated chaos” and “unnecessary destruction.” He did not anticipate losing one-third of his backyard and echoes others: “An easement is not ownership. An easement is access.”
Orange County Sanitation District’s Stance
The district maintains that pools and yard features hinder repairs and maintenance, leaving demolition as the only viable option. A spokesperson acknowledged the emotional toll: “It’s jarring.” However, encroachments have worsened over time, and delays risk catastrophe. “If we don’t start correcting it today, when’s the right time? When the pipeline breaks and we have ten million gallons of raw sewage impacting thousands of people?”
Settlements remain binding regardless of the court’s decision on the ongoing case.
