Napa County has finally closed the book on a protracted code enforcement squabble by bagging a $500,000 settlement, lining the county's coffers, and sending a stern message to rule breakers. Officials have declared this chunk of change a win after a luxury short-term rental property on Mt. Veeder Road and another on Wild Horse Valley Road became the targets of a legal showdown in March 2021.

Caught offering swanky digs to transient visitors, the property owners faced the county's wrath when the Planning, Building, and Environmental Services Department caught wind of the scheme in late 2019. The properties allegedly served locals and out-of-towners alike in defiance of the law since at least 2018. Following the violation sniff out, an injunction slapped the brakes on any more high-rolling rental shenanigans during the court battle.

The settlement announcement came after their hands were joined by the Board of Supervisors, who gave the green light in the prior year to take the gloves off. Having experienced outside counsel, Aleshire & Wynder in their corner helped the county duke it out in prolonged settlement talks with the accused. The lucrative conclusion to this fracas covers a laundry list of expenses that hit the county's ledger, including back taxes, penalties, andcostly legal bills.

With the ink dried on the settlement, Napa County isn't just half a million richer - it's a vestige of the local government's commitment to the rule of law. By filling up the County's piggy bank, they've effectively put a price on integrity while ensuring that freewheeling property moguls think twice before flipping a quick rental buck. "This outcome reinforces Napa County's commitment to protecting the community's interests and upholding the rule of law," said Board Chair Joelle Gallagher in a statement hailing the efforts of everyone involved in clinching this deal, as reported by Napa County's official website.