Tom, please give me an example of a politically motivated building code. I don't really know what you mean by that. Zoning on the other hand can get very political, but politics is the middle name of our form of government. You don't like the politics, you change 'em.

I have submitted rezone documents to the city zoning commission, and have yet to have one refused. It really isn't that difficult. In some cases zoning may be abused, but I hardly see the evil in it. In fact I believe it gives property owners more control of their neighborhood, than without them. Of course there is a trade-off with control over your own .5 acres, but what good is control of .5 acres when all your neighbors are doing things which cause your property value to plummet. I personally don't want my neighbor setting up a sex shop next door, so that all my other neighbors can get their XXX videos while walking the dog.

I really don't trust my neighbors to know what is best for my community. Hey, I live there too. My property value and investment is at stake. If somebody wants to open their home to business, there are always provisions. My wife did just that. She watches other folk's kids during the day. It was easy she went to City Hall and plunked down $60 and got a home occupation permit for 1 year. No rezoning necessary. If the neighbors ever have a problem with it, their rights are not violated, they can go to city hall, and lobby to have her permit revoked. All's fair, when you play by the rules. Take away the rules and you've got anarchy. Not my dream of ideal government.

If my neighbor gets a home occupation permit to sell porn to passerbys next door, you better believe I'll find myself at city hall as well as my homeowners association. The internet does change the way this works though. If his business is done soley over the internet, then I don't see a problem as long as he is following the laws and not advertising on his front lawn. He can continue his business in privacy.

-Steve G.