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Again, thank you all for writing.<br><br>
One respondent seems to take issue with a dialogue on the new proposed
ordinance. In that regard, those that are confused about writing or
proposing ordinances, I would recommend a Google search "or some
other venue" using key words like "drafting model
ordinances" or "model ordinances".<br><br>
The results are compelling and reflect that the conventional wisdom
supports the position that specificity in an ordinance is important if
the community and its elected officials want enforceability rather than a
court battle (which is expensive for all). Of course, there is also
the notion that those upon whom the burden of enforceability will fall
(us!) ought to be encouraged to weigh in on the issues. Fixing the
problems now will save us all a lot of grief and money in the long
run.<br><br>
Here is an example of a land use ordinance selected from one of my
searches:<br><br>
<a href="http://www.sewrpc.org/modelordinances/cluster_ordinance.pdf" eudora="autourl">
http://www.sewrpc.org/modelordinances/cluster_ordinance.pdf</a><br><br>
As to the assertions that I am attempting to scare people - well, there
are several hundred folks concerned about the issues. And those
that are reading the proposed ordinance seem to recognize that the
document needs work.<br><br>
A couple of folks asked about the Latah County Comprehensive Plan.
My copy is the version that was adopted on January 5, 2004. As time
permits, I will scan the document to digital format so those interested
can have a copy. Till then, I have reproduced the Introduction and
the Objectives section of the document. These are presented
below:<br><br>
Here is the omnibus "Objectives" section from the Latah County
Comprehensive Plan<br><br>
<b><i>Objectives<br><br>
To make Latah County a desirable place in which to live, work, and visit,
the Comprehensive Plan and land use map outline a pattern of growth
compatible with community traditions, values, and vision for the future,
including:<br><br>
1. Preservation of agricultural and forest land uses to ensure the
continued viability of an agricultural and forest-based economy in rural
Latah County.<br><br>
2. Fostering of other land uses which will help achieve a solid
broad-based and sustainable economic foundation.<br><br>
3. Clustering of commercial and higher density residential uses in and
around areas with adequate public services.<br><br>
4. Preservation of the rural character of Latah County to ensure the
protection of the cultural, scenic and natural amenities presently found
in the County.<br><br>
5. Ensure that land use policies do not unconstitutionally violate
private property rights.<br><br>
Latah County's Comprehensive Plan shall serve as a basis for ordinances
and regulations that will achieve the overall goals identified through
the active participation of County residents. When the County,
through its citizens, find that the Plan no longer reflects current
conditions and community values, it shall be amended or
replaced.<br><br>
</i></b>The next section identifies the specific goals and policies to be
achieved. Somewhat lengthy so I will try to get a digital version
when time permits.<br><br>
I hope to produce the collective comments on Section 1 of the proposed
ordinance later this week.<br><br>
Thanks again for your kind words and suggestions.<br><br>
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