By Bill Stevenson
Chronicle staff
The Chronicle, Omak, WA
from http://www.omakchronicle.com/news/hnews1.shtml

     9/25/01 - Okanogan County commissioners Sept. 18 faced more than 100 people seeking an end to building permits for people financing and constructing their own buildings within the county.
     Commissioners met with three representatives of Regulations Undermining Rural American Living Sept. 18 to continue discussion about a request for a building permit moratorium within the county.
     RURAL requested a moratorium on requiring building permits and called for legislation to be written to allow private homeowners to pay for and construct their own buildings without needing a county permit or inspection.
     More than 100 RURAL supporters filled the county commissioners' hearing room. During the two-hour meeting many provided comments on building codes and code enforcement before loud, applauding approval of the crowd.
     RURAL's request for a moratorium was denied when the commissioners did not take action. Commissioner Bob Hirst instead asked the group to name representatives to form a committee to seek solutions with county officials.
     The suggestion angered the crowd, which wanted immediate action. Many accused the commissioners of knowing about the complaints and doing nothing to remedy the situation over the last few years.
     RURAL representatives Marty Sapp, Dan Isaac and Libertarian Party sheriff candidate Candy Gamache spoke to the commissioners, presenting numerous examples of law and reasons they believe the county should not enforce state building codes.
     State law lists building codes under a section of laws used to regulate commercial businesses. RURAL contends the codes are for commercial businesses constructing buildings, not private citizens.
     Sapp said the county adopted the enforcement of building codes when it was not required and has the option to amend the codes to fit lifestyles in Okanogan County.
     "May does not mean shall," said Sapp of legal wording concerning counties adopting building codes for enforcement. "You are 100 percent legal . . . but you don't have to do these things."
     RURAL members accused the commissioners of using the sheriff's office, prosecutors and judges to enforce building codes as a source of revenue for county government. Isaac alleged the county used police SWAT teams to insure people pay for permits.
     "You have found a cash cow to feed the county government," said Isaac. "Since when is it a crime to commit self help?"
     Commissioner Craig Vejraska said the county enforces building codes as required by state law and under its authority. If the county does not provide a building department and adopt building codes, residents would have to travel to another county or Olympia for permits, which would be enforced by the Washington State Patrol.
     Building code changes are performed at the state level, said Vejraska. He told RURAL members that to change the codes or remove them would take an act of the state Legislature.
     RURAL supporters disagreed, and representatives cited passages indicating the county could amend the building codes or refuse to adopt them.
     State Sen. Bob Morton, R-Orient, left the meeting early to attend another engagement, but Sept. 24 sent information to the commissioners on amending building codes. State law requires amendments to be approved by the state Building Code Council.
     The council oversees changes to the codes and makes recommendations to the Legislature for adoption, according to Morton.
     Two people spoke in support of the county commissioners and the building department. One asked RURAL supporters to refrain from verbally attacking county employees.
     Vejraska asked RURAL to provide a proposed resolution on changes to county building codes. County officials and attorneys would review the proposal before the commissioners would set a date to continue the meeting, he indicated.