Zoning R1 Used as Business

[bulldogww]

Morrow, Ohio - Salem Township --
Neighboring property zoned R1 (residential single family) was given an amendment to be a riding stable. Neighbors were not notified. No problem with riding stable; however, owner rents out for 35-50 dollars/person party areas. Drink all day, toss cans and bottles in neighbor's yard and blast music all hours. Then drive on our roads drunk.

Contacted zoning inspector. He tells me because this 80 acre tract grows a crop (hay), he is exempt from rules that apply to others. Also zoning inspector is known to have accepted free vacations from this very wealthy property owner in exchange for zoning. He also placed this person on the zoning board. Sounds like major conflict of interest. Not to mention illegal to accept bribes.

Asked township president about noise ordinance. He ignores request. He has also been bought off by rich man.

Anything we can do?

Can we neighbors band together and have zoning overturned as we were never notified and took reading in the paper several months later to finding out exactly what was going on at this property?

[This message has been edited by bulldogww (edited March 21, 2000).]

 

[Arlene]

You can file a suit to force the appropriate government agency to apply their own zoning laws, which includes notice requirements. It is a good idea to get together with your neighbors and hire a property rights attorney (preferably one from out of your area) to represent you. You can also sue the property owner for allowing a nuisance to exist on his property.