I understand that, but what I'm saying is that you should have applied from the start. That would be the responsible thing to have done. I know it was "only" one rule that you broke but breaking rules in any number isn't doing the hobby any favors. I know I'm going to have to move in a few years because my boa will grow larger than my city allows. I made sure to check into that before even getting her.
I do think that the rule itself is a bunch of crap. I hope you're able to salvage the situation, losing everything would be devastating but you have to realize that the was 100% completely and entirely preventable.