Thistle (don't know which kind)

 

Webinar from the State on Planning/Zoning Committees should handle variances and appeals to variances.  Was surprised by the interest in this training.  The presenter limited the number of attendees at 250 and I got in only because there were some cancellations.   It's a fairly straight forward process but the presenter succinctly presented variances step-by-step to leave no question of how committees should handle these issues.    About half way through she presented a scenerio and asked if a variance should be allowed.   The quesiton popped up on my computer and I answered "No" and submitted.  The presenter seemed happy that every responder had answered correctly except for one person.  (She based each scenerio on a real life case that had gone before the State Court of Appeals.)  A few minutes more and she presented another scenerio and again I answered "No".  The presenter again said everyone but one person had gotten the answer correct.   As we went on it became apparent that there was one attendee who was either extremely dense, obstinent, or felt everyone should be able to do whatever they want on their own property.   On the last question she asked if people would give their reasoning for granting or not granting a variance on the website's chat capability.  I could see the answers flash by and they showed people gave the question serious thought.  There was one response "It's not hurting anyone so why not?"   The presenter again went through that the planning committee doesn't make the rules (that's up to the elected board) just applies the rules already in place.  I'd kinda hoped this webinar would have changed my mind about the town taking over Zoning responsibilities.  It only reinforced my belief that Zoning is better left at the broader county level  (and let them foot the cost of court appeals).