IRVINE : Council to Decide if House is a Nuisance

The City Council tonight will decide whether to classify a castle-style home in the Ranch village as a public nuisance--a move that could eventually lead to the demolition of the controversial structure.

The home, owned by Fern and Victor Ganish, has been under construction for more than 12 years. And for nearly that long the city has pressured the Ganishes to complete the work.

Earlier this year, city building inspectors armed with a search warrant examined the home’s interior, which the Ganishes admit lacks flooring, drywall and plumbing.

Based on information obtained during the search, the city charged the Ganishes with violating various building and safety codes. A court hearing on the matter is pending.

The council tonight will receive a report from city officials on the history of the house, which the Ganishes transformed from a modest ranch-style home into a Tudor castle that neighbors complain is out of place in the area.

If the home is declared a nuisance, the city could give the Ganishes a deadline to complete the remodeling job. If they fail to meet the deadline, officials could move to have the home demolished.

The Ganishes have long accused the city of harassing them. In an interview earlier this year, Fern Ganish said the remodeling job was progressing slowly because of her husband’s poor health.