Department must prove itself deserving of power

It appears from the reports in the Bee that the advocates of adopting a building code in Bonner County are making arguments which are supportive of the licensing of contractors and the enforcement of state plumbing codes, rather than supporting an argument for the adoption of a building code.

In Bonner County the planning department has the responsibility for issue something called a "site permit," which is a euphemism for a building permit without a structure code requirement. Purchasing a "site permit" and satisfying all of its requirements is mandatory for building on any property in this county. The idea is to assure that the property is suitable, in their view, for the intended use and to assure that other governmental agencies such as the road department, the public health department and the tax assessor are aware of the development of the property.

Until our current county planning department directors can demonstrate that they know how to treat the citizens of the county with respect and consideration, I cringe at the thought of empowering them or others of similar attitude, beyond their current level of privilege.

THOMAS M. WILEY

Sandpoint