City: Robolights owner issued $5,500 in citations

You may have heard about the show, ‘The Great Christmas Light Fight’ on ABC, where families compete across the country by decking their homes out to the tune of Clark Griswold in the movie ‘Christmas Vacation’.

Well, the City of Palm Springs and Robolights owner Kenny Irwin have been going through their own type of battle; also dealing with holiday decorations. But this fight has led to $5,500 in citations, rather than a cash reward for the Palm Springs resident known for hosting the holiday display for the past 30 years.

Irwin recently stated in a Facebook post that he’s being harassed by the city, as officials continue to fine him for safety concerns the city says should be immediately fixed before allowing visitors on his property.

Some find Irwin’s holiday decorations and artwork interesting, others have described the whole scene as a bit odd (Check out the holiday display for yourself).

But either way, city officials have visited the property at least seven times in the past thirty days as they continue to issue citations over a variety of issues, according to Assistant City Manager and City Engineer Marcus Fuller.

Fuller said, “The property owner has failed to submit plans and obtain a building permit for” :

Permanent structural roof platform for tall inflatables; anchors/guy lines to secure tall inflatable structures to roof platform and property; permanent display wall that is unsupported and not secured; existing aviary and storage sheds

Fuller said that, “Items one and two represent the most immediate threat to public health and safety, given that with high winds the tall inflatables and their attached anchors/guy lines may come loose and cause injury or death.”

Irwin’s most recent Facebook post about Robotlights controversy:

“They [city officials] have attempted more tickets in person and sent two more by certified mail against holiday decorations i.e., the inflatable platform Santa Claus and Godzilla holding a candy cane and for me letting people look at the lights and the artworks here. For nearly two hours yesterday between apx 4-6PM and again around 5-5:45 today after-hours. Sometimes driving in circles around the block making more than one trip. The lady was even seen measuring roboreindeers yesterday. I also told the lady they are abusing the international property maintenance code which our attorney has determined. Pretty much no comment. Despite this, the lights will continue to shine. Thank you for your ongoing support! Please write your town officials of Palm Springs and let them know how much you love ROBOLIGHTS. It’s recycling, it’s art, it’s great for kids of all ages young and old and people are really enjoying it. Hours 4-9:30 Daily until Jan 1st.”