Colo. man may have to go to court over treehouse

[November 09, 2010]  GOLDEN, Colo. (AP) -- A Denver-area man might have to go to court to keep city officials from tearing down an elaborate backyard treehouse local officials say is hazardous.

Sculptor Duncan Foss of Golden faced a deadline of 4 p.m. Monday to take down the treehouse or face legal action. Foss says he's not taking down the hangout he built for his 11-year-old daughter.

City spokeswoman Karlyn Tilley says Golden's chief building official will meet with the city attorney Tuesday. The city likely will issue a summons that could result in a fine.

Foss's backyard structure consists of a rambling series of bright blue decks and elevated boardwalks. Local building officials consider it a hazard. Part of the treehouse burned in December because of an exploding tiki torch.

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THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE.
AP's earlier story is below.

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GOLDEN, Colo. (AP) -- A suburban Denver man has until Monday afternoon to tear down an elaborate backyard treehouse local officials say is hazardous.

But sculptor Duncan Foss of Golden says he's not taking down the hangout he built for his 11-year-old daughter, which includes a rambling series of bright blue decks and elevated boardwalks.

Local building officials consider the structures a hazard. Indeed, part of the treehouse burned in December because of an exploding tiki torch.

But Foss tells The Denver Post he won't tear down what remains of the structure.

City officials say if Foss doesn't comply by Monday afternoon, they will pursue legal action.

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Information from: The Denver Post, http://www.denverpost.com/

[Associated Press]

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