1986, 05-09 Zoning Violations LtrSpokane County
Department of Building & Safety
JAMES L. MANSON, DIRECTOR
May 9, 1986
Ms. Patricia Riley
East 11101 Empire Avenue
Spokane, Washington 99206
Dear Ms. Riley:
This office is in receipt of your letter dated May 6, 1986 inquiring
about code problems located at East 11103 Empire. After a research
of our records, your concerns are being addressed in the following
manner:
1. Regarding electric fences, Section 4.17.040 of the
Spokane County Zoning Ordinance does require that
electric fences be located at least 150 feet from any
neighboring residence. 0n October 23, 1985, I informed
your neighbor, Ms. Woehrlin, of this requirement. It was
reported that the fence was used to prevent damage to her
existing vegetation located near the property line. She
agreed to disconnect the wire from its power source upon
learning that it constituted a violation.
If the fence is now again activated, this matter will
be investigated. As of January 1, 1986, the Spokane
County Planning Department is now responsible for zoning
complaints. This concern is being forwarded to Gary
Koeppel, Zoning Investigator, for investigation. He can
be reached at 456-2205.
2. In regard to the 50 foot setback restriction for
animals on other properties within your neighborhood, it
is and has been since 1981 the policy of Spokane County, in
concurrence with the County Prosecuting Attorney's
Office, that only written citizen complaints shall be
investigated. This was deemed necessary due to the
sensitivity in approaching delicate land use violations
and the need to maintain a meticulously balanced line to
avoid discriminating acts by the County. This concept
basically allows neighborhoods to determine the level of
enforcement without government intervention while at the
same time keeping enforcement costs minimal.
Your concerns regarding possible zoning violations
on these other properties should be directed to Gary
Koeppel for investigation.
2
NORTH 811 JEFFERSON
• SPOKANE, WASHINGTON 99260,0050
•
TELEPHONE (509) 456-3675
Ms. Patricia Riley
May 9, 1986
Page 2 of 2
3. The issue regarding the location of the septic
tank/drainfield has been investigated by the County
Health District finding that the sewage system appears to
be located properly in relation to the existing structure.
This inspection and finding was made on December 31, 1985.
4. Regarding building permit activity, our records
indicate that a building permit was issued on August 16,
1978 for an addition to the residence consisting of
approximately 640 square feet. This permit was issued to
Bruce Walling, a former owner. Ms. Woehrlin reported to
me on October 23, 1985 that there has been no new or recent
building activity.
On May 8, 1986, however, an on -site investigation was
made to determine if any new construction had occurred.
It was confirmed that a pole building had been erected
without the issuance of a building permit. This office
has initiated action to require the issuance of a building
permit.
Thank you for contacting us with your concerns. If we can be of any
further service or can answer any questions, please feel free to
contact me at 456-3675.
Sincerely yours,
DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING AND SAFETY
Thomas L. Davis
Code Compliance Coordinator
TLD:pjk
cc: Keith Shepard, County Commissioner
Gary Koeppel, Zoning Investigator
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