National heritage areas contain hidden pitfalls

To The Eagle:

Heritage area??? Be very cautious in anything called special planning area, heritage area, etc. What it does is eventually form another layer of bureaucracy in the use of your property.

Example: Apply for building permit with county. County determines it could be in heritage area, then it goes to that board who then takes years for that board to decide if it is in the heritage area or will have impact on same.

In other areas with like heritage or whatever they may be called districts, it is not unusual to take five to eight years for the heritage board to issue a statement on the already county approved building permit which by now has expired. This is how they will control your use of your property without taking it from you.

If you have any doubts look at the Lake Tahoe Regional Planning area where it can take up to 10 years to get your permit without going to court. Please believe that once such an area is established there is no end as to the ways they have to hinder the use of your property.

If you have any questions, please ask me.

Mike Mouliot

Cathlamet