During a recent government meeting, concerns were raised regarding ongoing violations at a dirt pit located on Charles Road in East Milton, within Commissioner Smith's district. Commissioner Parker highlighted that the pit owner has been in violation of setback regulations, which are designed to prevent dangerous encroachments onto neighboring properties. He noted that the situation has persisted for years, with documented complaints dating back to before Hurricane Sally.

Parker expressed frustration over the county's inability to halt the pit owner's operations despite the violations. He emphasized that the pit's excavation activities have undermined a neighboring property’s fence, creating a significant safety hazard. The commissioner argued that allowing the owner to continue digging while ignoring the violations defies common sense and undermines property values in the area.

The discussion revealed that the county attorney indicated the pit owner could continue operations as long as he was not digging in the specific areas of violation. This led to further debate among commissioners about the enforcement of existing ordinances and the need for a more proactive approach to ensure compliance and protect neighboring property owners.

Commissioner Wright suggested investigating the current actions taken against the pit owner and proposed a site visit to assess the situation firsthand. He acknowledged the importance of public safety and the need for the board to take action if necessary. The commissioners agreed to further discuss the issue in an upcoming meeting, with a focus on potential legal actions to address the ongoing violations.

The meeting underscored the complexities of enforcing land use regulations and the challenges faced by local governments in balancing property rights with community safety. As the situation develops, the board aims to explore all available options to resolve the concerns raised by affected residents.