Josephine residents demand action after roofing and fencing failures in Magnolia Point

Residents of the Magnolia Point subdivision told the City Council of Josephine on May 12 that newly built houses have experienced repeated roofing and fencing failures and asked the city to investigate and halt future approvals for the builder involved.

Several residents testified during the council’s citizen-comment period, presenting photos and a petition. Jane Ridgeway, a Magnolia resident, read a formal demand asking the city to impose “an immediate moratorium on all approvals, permits, inspections and development agreements involving D.R. Horton within the city of Josephine” and requested a city investigation and a public hearing. Ridgeway said the petition accompanying her request contains 885 signatures, including 35 from the Waverly neighborhood and others from Magnolia Point and other D.R. Horton developments.

Why it matters: speakers said the alleged defects are producing repeated out-of-pocket repairs, water intrusion and financial strain for new homeowners and could affect property values. Several residents asked the city to examine prior inspections, warranty enforcement and whether the city’s permitting or inspection processes need changes.

During public comment, Cliff Hutchinson and a homeowner identifying themselves as a representative for a 313 Silo Circle resident described shingles fastened with only one or two nails and instances where the adhesive strip on the shingle still had plastic attached. One speaker, who identified himself as living in Magnolia Point, said he had incurred roughly $2,500 in roofing damage repairs and said he was about to pay “another $17.50” during the most recent repair (amount as stated in his remarks). Sandra Wilson, a Magnolia resident, said her roof had lost shingles three times in roughly three years and said some fences (HOA-owned) had fallen.

The petition and speakers also raised claims that the shingles were “out of code by the state,” that nail placement was incorrect, and that installations did not follow the manufacturer’s instructions for high-wind areas. John Grandery, speaking on behalf of a neighbor with a broken hip, displayed photos he said showed two nails per shingle where manufacturer guidance calls for more in high-wind conditions.

Council response and next steps: Mayor Tierney told the public the city would have staff look into the complaints and provide a follow-up. No formal action (ordinance or moratorium) was taken during the meeting; residents requested a written response within 10 days. The council later placed “an update on Magnolia Point” on a future agenda at the request of council members.

What the record shows and limits: residents presented photos and a signed petition and repeatedly urged investigation and regulatory action. Council members asked staff questions about code enforcement and inspection fees; staff said the city does not require roof permits and that the city’s code officers had been advising residents about temporary tarps while they await insurance completion. The claims about state code violations and warranty obligations were asserted by residents and not verified in the meeting record.

The city did not adopt a moratorium or open a formal investigation during the meeting; staff committed to follow up and to report back to council.