In the 70's the county adopted zoning regulations throughout the county. Many of the rules are beneficial to the health, safety and welfare of county residents. Over the years, more and more regulations have been added to the zoning laws.  However, many of the regulations can be too overbearing and and restrictive to private property. If a property owner wants to appeal for a special exception or a variance to the regulations, they would have to make that appeal to the BZA. The cost to go before the board was $100.  Whether your appeal was granted or denied, you did not get your $100 back.

Essentially, the county passes all these rules and regulations and if you, as a citizen, want to appeal, it cost you $100. No more. Citizens should not have to pay to address their local government agencies.

The only no vote to eliminate the $100 fee came from newly elected 2nd district commissioner, Julia Hurley.

In related news, a two member committee, known as The Planning And Zoning Committee, was appointed to study all county zoning and planning regulations to bring back recommendations to the full county commission on ways to simplify and streamline all the rules and regulations and eliminate unnecessary and burdensome rules. Myself and newly elected 6th district commissioner, Adam Waller, will serve on that committee.