Goodbye Boney Island; Crews to Tear Down Sherman Oaks Treehouse

A 24-Year-Old Icon

A treehouse that’s towered over a Sherman Oaks neighborhood for more than 20 years is slated to be torn down Saturday after much back-and-forth with the man who built it and the city.

A Bittersweet Legacy

Rick Polizzi, a longtime producer for “The Simpsons,” is bidding his farewells to his front yard’s treehouse. The imminent teardown is the culmination of years of back-and-forth with the city, which declared the structure an accessory dwelling unit (ADU).

A Treehouse Born from Love and Play

The treehouse was built in 2000 for Polizzi’s two daughters. As they grew up, other neighborhood children enjoyed the treehouse, and it eventually became an attraction.

The City’s Ultimatum

The city shut down the treehouse in 2017 after it received complaints from some neighbors. Since then, Polizzi said he’s done his best to obtain permits and comply with city demands to keep his treehouse. The latest and final blow to his creation came after the city said it considered it an ADU, which prompted a criminal pre-trial against the homeowner and ultimately made him walk away.

A Bitter End

"It’ll go to a landfill and then I’ll get the charges dropped but we’ve already spent over $50,000," he said. "Going to court would be another $20 to $30,000. The city said they’re going after me for their court costs so I’m not doing that. I just need to take it down and be done with it."

A Last Hurrah

Community members have visited the treehouse in the days leading up to its demise for one last hurrah.

A Sense of Loss

"It’s really strange because everybody’s gotten so much joy out of it," Polizzi said of the city’s stance on the treehouse. "It’s sad to see that it’s not really necessary. It’s been up for 24 years, never had an incident once so it’s just sad. My daughters were upset. I didn’t think they would be that upset."

The Demise of a Beloved Landmark

Crews were slated to begin tearing down the treehouse Saturday morning.

Conclusion

The treehouse’s demolition marks the end of an era in Sherman Oaks, leaving behind a legacy of memories and a sense of loss for the community.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the reason for the treehouse’s demolition?
  The city declared the treehouse an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), prompting a criminal pre-trial against the homeowner.
• How much has Rick Polizzi spent on the treehouse and its upkeep?
  Over $50,000
• Why is the city tearing down the treehouse?
  The city claims the treehouse is an ADU and does not meet city regulations.