Herald article > People caught developing without permits.

[Aresamp...@aol.com]

By Brian Kelly 4/8/05
Herald Writer

HeraldNet: Proposed code rule changes decried

"Among the major policy shifts was changing the standard of proof for people caught developing without permits. That would switch from a "preponderance of evidence" to "beyond a reasonable doubt."

(Q) {Would that be similar to one of our Council members building a home in wetlands that's zoned ten acres, and failed to get it subdivided from it's ten acre wetlands zoning to the County's proper five acre zoning before building? The same zoning forced on all County land owners?
True, it could be costly to subdivide, but it's the law, and prevents house boat neighborhoods, and destruction of natural wetlands. It also had loverly County wildlife signs, paid for by the taxpayers who paid for these decorations.
Then building a home without one dime paid towards building permits. This is the County Council majority's policy for it's own members, and I'm sure contributors also. Although taxpayers are lucky enough to get there own rewards, if they did this, it's call "Stiff Fines" }

Snohomish County officials reviewing that proposed change could find no other counties that are using the "beyond a reasonable doubt" standard.

(Q) {Could it be that this Counties corruption and double standards for a very few select builders, is finally reaching sunlight?}  {I think so!}

"Councilman John Koster said he didn't think the changes would hamstring the county's code enforcement efforts.
"I'm not convinced at this point that it's going to inhibit" code enforcement, Koster said".

(A) {Right on John, you can't enforce that, which is being hidden.}