By Fred Lewis
I have often written on this subject but we still seem to not be getting the idea.
We have a set of standards that you have given us to enforce. We call them our Zoning Ordinance. Now if you don’t want us to enforce this ordinance, I have no problem with that. It would make my life and Patrick’s life a whole lot easier.
Of course that would also allow anyone to build anything anywhere. Whereas this may sound good on the outside, in practicality this usually ends up a disaster as we always have that person or persons that color outside the lines. And in some instances that can be good or even artsy, but by most standards it is not.
Lately the fad has been to by premade sheds and plop them down in an hour or two without any permits or regard for other residents. That seems all well and good until your neighbor decides to put one in their front yard, on the lake, down by the water, obstructing yours and others view of the water and covering it with all manner of gaudy, tacky paraphernalia, which you now have to look at forever.
We did not create this ordinance. It was here when we took office. It was created by a group of citizens, years ago in an effort to maintain some control over the infringement of buildings on each other and provide some protection of the rights of all.
If everyone follows the same basic rules, ones that we had a part in creating, we should hope that most would be content. Apparently this is not the case. That or a vocal minority is controlling the very quiet majority.
I want to make this very clear, you cannot bring in a shed without a zoning permit whether it is fixed to the ground or not.
If we follow this one simple rule, many of our issues will go away. We have been trying to convince the violators of this rule to come into compliance by obtaining a post-violation permit and correcting the violation. Most have complied and others are refusing.
Up until now we have held off on using our ultimate weapon, the courts, mainly because of the high cost of legal fees that we all end up paying(our tax dollars at work). But many are leaving us with no choice and we are now headed for court to stop this scourge from opening up our community to a “wild west” type of zoning.
So if in the near future you hear of a neighbor heading to court over a zoning issue, don’t say that you weren’t warned.
Sheds, fences, additions, decks all need a zoning permit, and yes a court can tell you to remove it, regardless of how it is attached.
Waste site
The board is looking into changing the entrance at the waste site. In an effort to stop non-resident use and dumping of garbage, which costs all of us, we are pricing the installation of a card activated lift gate at the entrance.
This would allow entry only upon use of a swipe card, fob or barcode affixed to your windshield at which time the lift gate would open and allow each individual vehicle to enter.
We realize that this may initially slow the process but it is in an effort to stop the illegal dumping and also to track usage to determine if excessive dumping is occurring.
Property assessment
Property owners in the Jose Lake/ Chain Lake area may have received a notice in the mail from our assessor. The assessor is required to inspect 20% of all properties in the township each year.
Over a 5 year period this would cover all properties. This process started in the northwest and will continue throughout the township for the next 5 years. They will come on your property to measure and photograph your buildings to be included in your property record.
You can refuse them access by filling out the form sent to you with the letter and returning it to them by September 1. They do have the legal right to come onto your property for assessing purposes without your permission but will abide by your refusal with a signed letter for their files.
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The waste site is open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 AM through 4 PMand Sunday from 9 AM through 2 PM. We are open on Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day.
Garden Club
Our Garden Club has begun their season of work. They are always looking for anyone interested in assisting them in caring for our planters in the downtown.
The person to call is Kim Kocher(989-899-1066) or Bev Mason (989-305-8823)
Again I want to thank these hard working volunteers for what they give to keep our community looking beautiful.
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As always if you ever have any questions, or concerns regarding our community please contact me. I am in the office Monday – Friday 7:30 – 4:00 at 989-728-2811 or my cell at 989-984-7073 or by email supervisor@plainfieldtwpmi.com.
Fred Lewis – Supervisor Plainfield Township
