2/24/13
Shorewood's Council is, again, considering requiring permits for items already regulated by zoning law, but not requiring a formal permit to install. Items potentially requiring these "zoning permits" could include invisible dog fences, underground sprinkler systems, structures smaller than 120 square feet (think of a shed for storage of garden tools), children's play equipment, and driveways.
City staff says that they have regular problems with such items being installed such that they violate setback requirements, orher aspects of City code and even that they encroach on neighboring properties. Staff believes requiring residents to apply for a permit will solve these problems by avoiding them to start.
Interestingly, staff is also saying they don't intend to actively enforce the permits. Moreover they admit they probably won's even inspect installations when a permit has been obtained. So, the Insider wonders if readers of this blog think zoning permits have any merit. Remember, the existing zoning code covers these items, it just doesn't require permits before they're installed.
Happy Reding!
The Insider
City staff encounters problems... why that is an outrage. They should never encounter problems. All paths should be made straight and level - at the expense of the residents - to ensure staff never again encounters a problem.
ReplyDeleteSarcasm intended.
So when staff encounters a problem, how have they resolved it? Why can't they keep doing that? Is it merely inconvenient?
All it takes is one resident who crosses the line, and is willing to go to court over it, to make things very expensive for the city.
ReplyDeleteFirst, if one resident crosses the line and is willing to go to court it is a civil matter between the disputing parties and the city is not involved.
ReplyDeleteSecond, with this zoning ordinance staff could be creating problems for itself.
If someone violates a zoning ordinance, it is up to the city to enforce it. Unfortunately, things like this today are complaint-driven. Meaning that staff sits in the office waiting for the phone to ring...
DeleteWhat's behind this any way? This seems to come up over and over. Are there multiple examples of flagrant violations? It seems like a long government reach into private property matters. Already staff is saying they will take a hands-off approach so what is the point? Discretionary enforcement? Save the paper and forget zoning ordinances.
ReplyDelete