A legal showdown is brewing over a massive tree house in Sherman Oaks, known for its whimsical design inspired by an episode of “The Simpsons.”
The treehouse, built 24 years ago by Rick Polizzi, a former producer on the beloved animated series, became a community staple and a gathering spot for neighborhood children.
But despite its popularity with neighborhood kids, legal challenges by the city of Los Angeles over permits and zoning have threatened the landmark’s future.
A Sherman Oaks homeowner is at odds with the City of Los Angeles over his massive treehouse, which officials say needs to be torn down. (KTLA) 
A Sherman Oaks homeowner is at odds with the City of Los Angeles over his massive treehouse, which officials say needs to be torn down. (KTLA) 
A Sherman Oaks homeowner is at odds with the City of Los Angeles over his massive treehouse, which officials say needs to be torn down. (KTLA)
“They said I don’t have the right permit for it, but I’ve been trying to make the treehouse legal forever,” Polizzi said. “The city’s just not having it.”
The legal troubles began when a neighbor complained about the increased attention the treehouse was drawing, sparking a seven-year legal dispute that has cost Polizzi $50,000 to defend and even led to criminal charges.
The headache, Polizzi says, has finally convinced him to throw in the towel.
“We went to the pre-trial last month. It was just so frustrating. We did not get to have our say,” Polizzi said. “When we left, I just said, ‘I’m not going back to this trial. We’ll tear it down so that the case gets dismissed.’”
The family held an informal farewell for the treehouse on Saturday, preparing for its potential demolition this week. But as of Tuesday, it’s still standing.
Polizzi tells KTLA that his local city councilmember reached out to express interest in saving the structure, but he remains skeptical. “They said the same thing to me last year, and nothing came of it,” he said.
As the treehouse’s fate hangs in the balance, its future dependent on the same bureaucracy trying to tear it down, Polizzi hopes that city leaders will recognize the treehouse for its cultural contribution to the city where he’s laid his roots.
“This is a town built on creativity. It embraces it. It just seems like you would want to keep things like this up,” said Polizzi.
Discussions with the city to save the treehouse remain ongoing.
