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Zoning Policy Leaves No Way to Appeal

Without going into the specifics of my case [regarding a neighbor's placing a trailer as a storage container in possible violation of zoning regulations], which is of public record, I would like to inform the residents of Deep River-especially those who may have an issue relating to the zoning laws currently in existence within the town-how the Zoning Board and the Zoning Board of Appeals operates.

It seems that if, for whatever the reason, the zoning enforcement officer refuses to make a decision regarding the case, then there can be no appeal brought before the Zoning Board of Appeals because, as stated at my hearing, there was no case, therefore the appeal was not even addressed and ultimately denied-the violation continues.

A questionable practice?

The bottom line is, that unless you can get the zoning enforcement officer to make a decision then there can be no appeal. Time and costs incurred in questioning the zoning issue is of no benefit.

The zoning laws are written to protect the citizens and taxpayers against those who make the decision to violate those regulations. Everyone should be concerned.

Louis J. LernerDeep River