Planning Commissioner confronts building department over permit issues and communication failures

The Delta County Board of Commissioners convened on June 3, 2025, to address various community concerns, with a significant focus on building permit issues and the challenges faced by residents in navigating the county's building department.

During the meeting, a planning commissioner raised concerns about homes and structures built without permits, highlighting a two-year effort to identify these properties. The commissioner noted that these unpermitted structures have not been contributing to tax revenues, which is a critical issue for the county. He expressed frustration over the lack of responsiveness from the building department and the county administrator regarding his requests for information and assistance.

The commissioner detailed his experience with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, stating that he has encountered delays and inadequate responses. He mentioned that despite being a planning commissioner, he has faced difficulties in obtaining necessary documentation and answers from the building department. He cited a specific incident involving a neighbor cited for keeping chickens, questioning why other neighbors with similar violations were not addressed, despite his filing of multiple complaints.

Additionally, the commissioner raised concerns about the building administrator's communication style, alleging intimidation tactics in their correspondence. He emphasized the need for clarity and accountability in the building department's processes, particularly regarding the handling of complaints and the enforcement of building codes.

The meeting underscored the ongoing challenges residents face in ensuring compliance with building regulations and the importance of effective communication between the county officials and the community. The board acknowledged these concerns and indicated that further discussions would be necessary to address the issues raised.