A treehouse built in memory of a Rossmoor father who died in a 2013 surfing accident may have to be torn down after Orange County code enforcement told Dr. Joni Doherty and her two children that the beloved Rowena Drive landmark wasn’t properly permitted or up to code
“It just crushed me … just hearing I may have to take it down,” Doherty said.
Doherty told KTLA she paid $16,000 for the construction of a cabin-like atmosphere that she and her children could enjoy.
The treehouse was inspired by one of the family’s favorite shows, the reality series “Treehouse Masters,” and constructed as a memorial to husband and father Jack Chen.
“I spend a lot of time personally going up there, watching the sunset and thinking about him,” Doherty said.
An online petition in support of the treehouse has garnered more than 1,000 signatures.
A public hearing in a couple of months will likely determine the fate of the structure.