City order posted on Robolights home, doors open anyway

A Palm Springs home holiday lights display has been a debate between the city, neighbors and the owner. For the past 30 years, Robolights brought many people to see what’s new, interesting or just odd to the 4-acre property.

“In some ways its inspiring (and) in some ways it’s a little interesting in what he comes up with but overall it’s still neat to see,” Victor Chan said.

As Robolights prepared to open up for the first dayof this holiday season, the owner found a post on the property. It stated that if the public were to enter, the owner will be cited because of city code violations that haven’t been corrected.

“We have a duty to make sure it is preventative and someone doesn’t get hurt,” said Palm Springs city manager David Ready.

The post didn’t come as a surprise to owner and artist Kenny Irwin Jr. He’s been going back and forth with the city for years. But this time, the city argued that the platform, inflatables on the roof and a tall wall is unsafe. Irwin’s lawyers said the displays are safely anchored and contractors have even added supportive beams to the wall. “Unequivocally, there (are) no dangerous conditions on this property and there is nothing unsafe. We feel the city is just discriminating against our client for reasons unknown,” said attorney Dayton Parcells. City officials disagree. “We know he has been doing this a lot of years we just need to make sure that it’s safe and if he can comply with those couple final safety issues I think everything will be fine,” Ready said.

For now, Robolights will continue with its holiday tradition, even if it means citations from the city.

Irwin’s lawyers say the plan to take this matter to court next week.