I understand that your patio and your property are important to you. I understand what you want. Regardless of what kind of soil you have, salting it will not get you what you want. It will not solve the problem. It will only create more problems for you. I’m sorry that lawyers couldn’t help. If your place is unincorporated, you won’t have code enforcement. Have you appealed to your HOA for help? You pay fees, they’re supposed to help you. That’s another box to check to show that you’re the good guy.