Splinter Family Treehouse: Officials Want Kitchen And Bedroom Removed

The Splinter family treehouse was a dream come true. Mike and Pat Splinter revealed their “Christmas Candy Kitchen Treehouse” during the “Treehouse Masters” holiday special. Although Mike and his wife Pat spent more than $60,000 building the unique structure, Placer County, California, officials are forcing the family to scale back.

As reported by The Sacramento Bee, the unusual structure was built using recycled wooden pallets and barrels. The 500-square-foot treehouse is situated among a small grove of trees. However, the foundation is supported on steel columns.

The Splinter family treehouse was not meant to be the family’s primary residence. Although it features a fully functional restroom and a loft bedroom, the structure was built to accommodate a state-of-the-art candy kitchen.

For three generations, the Splinter family has made hard candy during the holidays. Their new treehouse features stainless steel counter tops, a stove, an oven, a dishwasher, and a special “candy hook” to facilitate their candy production.

Unfortunately, local officials have demanded removal of the treehouse’s kitchen and bedroom. Placer County deputy planning director E.J. Ivaldi explains.

“They can use it for entertaining… What the county approved was a residential accessory structure. For the purpose of them being able to do a TV show, they were allowed to build a kitchen with the understanding that the kitchen would come out.”

Although the Splinters obtained the necessary permits, Ivaldi said the initial plans did not include a permanent kitchen or a bedroom. The planning director noted that the family already has a guesthouse. However, zoning laws prohibit the construction of an additional residential structure on the property.

The Splinters are permitted to build a residential accessory structure. Unfortunately, to qualify as an accessory structure, the Splinter family treehouse cannot include a kitchen or a bedroom.

As reported by The Ledger, it is unclear how the family plans to proceed, as they have not commented on the county’s official order.

The unique structure was designed and built by Nelson Treehouse and Supply. Pete Nelson, who owns the construction company, also hosts Animal Planet’s Treehouse Masters.

Nelson has not commented on the county’s demands to remove the treehouse’s kitchen and bedroom.

Although the structure cost more than $60,000, the Splinters said the project contributed “more than $100,000 to the local economy.”

Even without a kitchen and bedroom, the Splinter family treehouse will remain a charming retreat. Pat and his family specifically enjoy the balcony, which overlooks the family vineyard.

[Image via KCRA]