[KCDXC] Re: Building Permit or Not

Thu, 9 May 2002 14:26:42 -0700 (PDT)

(I would have replied on the reflector, but I'm using a non-subscribed e-mail
address at the moment; if you'd like to forward this to the reflector, go
ahead...)

Just go put it up. Screw the city; deal with it later if it comes to that.

I tried about 4 years ago to get a very small change to the Lee's Summit
ordinances which would exempt amateur radio antennas from the generic 35 ft
height restriction and let them fall under the ordinance that governs cell
towers (which exempts anything under 75 ft.) When it was all over with, my 10
words had turned into 3 pages and the ordinances were *more* restrictive than
when I started; most hams in the city now couldn't put up even a 35 ft tower
due to the restrictions on placement from the property lines. (My apologies to
any other L.S. hams who might be affected by the results of my good
intentions...)

The problem is that once you contact the city and they tell you that you need a
permit or a variance or whatever, especially if they've got your name, you're
screwed:  Put up the tower without permission and they've got evidence to make
you take it down later because you knew you were breaking the rules. Ask for
permission to put it up and they can deny it for any of a million reasons.
Either way you lose.

Just put it up - if they come around and raise a stink, you can claim ignorance
and they probably won't make you take it down anyway. But more than likely,
you'll never hear from the city. 

As for the neighbors, I'd take it a step further and ask them to sign a letter
indicating that they don't mind you putting up the tower. You'll probably find
out real quickly that they're not as friendly about it as you thought... 

PRB-1 doesn't mean much unless you've got a lot of money and a good lawyer. 

As for putting up the tower, I'd advise doing it as quickly and early in the
day as you can, even during the week. Don't drag it out into a 3 or 4 week
project a little at a time, because that gives neighbors time to start asking
questions and even call the city to see whether it's acceptable or not.

Oh yeah - Have fun.

-Marty NW0L
 [email protected]

--- Alan KI7WO <[email protected]> wrote:
> Hi Guys,
> 
> This question is related to putting up a tower (30'/50' crank-up
> (tilt-over) in Oak Grove.
>  
> Do I ask for a Building Permit from the City (big hassle with Special Use
> permit and Zoning Variance)??  or just put it up and wait to see who
> screams first.
> 
> Have already talked to all the neighbors within 200 feet of the property
> lines and they all say they have no problem with the idea.  Just can't
> decide if it is worth all the paper work.  
> 
> All the "old timers" I have spoke with all say they "just put theirs up",
> but that has been many years ago.
> 
> It has been said "Easier to ask for Forgiveness than Permission".
> 
> Would like to hear from anyone with experience dealing with "the City". 
> 
> TU,
> Alan  [email protected]
> 
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