Leland Pond Facts

It is probably a safe assumption to state that no one is really fond of the permit process, but we abide because as conscientious, law abiding citizens, it’s the right thing to do.

Now imagine if the building dept. did not exist and you could build anything, anytime.  Yippee!! or chaos?  Most likely Chaos.

This is not about fly fishing vs. aviation, (as suggested by Mayor Sander’s email blast in May).  However the fall-out of her email started a kind of Hatfield’s and McCoy’s feud where the public seems to think they need to choose a side.  You don’t.  It’s about integrity and common decency    He built buildings without permits and obtained a grading permit for the ponds under false pretenses, non-commercial “farm pond.”  His grading permit for the pond was revoked (for obvious reasons).

However, over the last few weeks,  people have taken the time to read the facts.

A necessary evil to keeping law and order, the building department, their permit process and the advising agencies they rely on for expertise in keeping the public safe,  exist to ensure that capital improvements, zoning and other activities of the City and County are consistent with the goals and policies of the General Plan.  OR, should the new rule be just run amuck?

Sonoma County adopted the California Airport Land Use Policy-book as their guide to keeping people on and near airports safe.  All very reasonable.  I’ll go out on a limb here and best-guess County does have respect for the agencies that provide expertise.   The County has only 6 airports, Cloverdale, Healdsburg, Sonoma Sky Park, Sonoma Valley Airport, Petaluma and Sonoma County, Charles Schultz.   Are the Leland people really that egotistical they need to encroach upon the safety zones of a 65 year old airport??  I think putting a family resort next to a runway is selfish, stupid (yes….stupid) and totally an avoidable risk.

Those that disrespect the process, rules, codes, etc… can be fined, and if the act is so egregious and inconsistent with land use plans or jeopardizes public safety, they can be shut down.  2004 to 2012, still unpermitted.  Time to shut them down or let them continue to badger the airport and the many tenants and loyal followers?

This is the case with Josh Frazier.  His acts are “egregious.”   Not my words, but those of the County of Sonoma (read the transcript of the abatement hearing October 2009).  Josh Frazier was not granted the permits he needed, so he “skirt” the process.  He apparently falsified applications, and proceeded to build the project without permits.  Then he operated the business without a Use Permit.  This is evidenced in the Permit Chronology, the fact the County of Sonoma sued him and the stipulated judgment against him.

He has clearly spent a lot of money.  The project itself is very nice.  But design and placement of buildings, swimming pools, garages, ponds, you name it – must conform to the PRMD rules.

If Mr. Frazier prevails in obtaining approved permits for after-the-fact building, it will be setting precedence  for anyone to build whatever they want, where they want, how they want.  Imagine your neighbor builds a second story on his garage, starts a card room with a bar because he can; or installs a septic tank next to your well – how’s your drinking water tasting now.  Does this go against Sonoma County’s general plan of  ” to develop and maintain standards that protect the health and safety of the public” ?   Most likely.

Let the PRMD (building Dept.) continue to keep people safe and safeguard your property. DO NOT REWARD A SERIAL VIOLATOR, he dismissed the process all of us must go through.

Please tell County – NO PERMITS for a man and his commercial (for profit) project that does considers himself exempt from the very rules the rest of us must follow.

The wrath of this decision very well could have a rippling effect ~ an adult bookstore or gambling casino in your neighborhood soon?? — after all, it will appear you don’t need to get a permit, just pay a fine.  Rest assured there are many people watching the outcome of this for that very reason.

The integrity of the Building Department  needs to be preserved.  Please Do Not Reward those who have no respect for policy.  Thank you.