WASHINGTON COUNTY ZONING RESULTS
Zoning has been part of life in rural Washington County for two years. Many people have not yet had the experience of being forced to ask permission to use their own property, so here are just a few examples of some of the things zoning has "accomplished" in the last two years.
Contrary to Mr. Mangold's statement 2 years ago that it was preposterous to suggest the zoning officer would be knocking on doors requiring permits, he has done exactly that. At least one homeowner has reported a knock on the door, followed by the zoning officer telling him he could not continue building his garage until he filed a permit.
People have been forced to file permits to receive permission to place PORTABLE buildings on their property. The zoning officer reportedly told one person that they would not have to file a permit for a doghouse, but would for a chicken coop, although he could not come up with a reason for the distinction when asked.
There have been numerous reports to Free County of permission denied to build sheds because the roof line is a few inches too high according to the arbitrary height limitations established by the ordinance.
Business owners have been denied permission to expand their business operations based on zoning limitations and/or the objections of neighbors. Zoning proponents have in fact bragged about some of these denials, stating this shows how zoning is helping protect property rights-which works great until YOU can't do something!
A very messy property that was cited as a prime example of the need for zoning to protect neighbors has been determined to be exempt from zoning regulations because the mess is ag-related, demonstrating both the unfair, two-class system created by zoning and it's general impotence to actually solve problems.
So after two years of zoning, we have spent well over a hundred thousand dollars and accomplished.....nothing? Worse than nothing? Sold our freedoms for the illusion of security? YOU will make the final decision in the November elections!