Permitting Problems

I am trying to obtain a permit to modify an existing two-car garage on the rear of my 1.2 acre home lot to an up-to-date efficiency studio apartment. It has been Mission Impossible! We have read the Willow Park ordinances that discuss pool houses and mother-in-law homes. We have licensed builders, plumbers, HVAC, and septic contractors all lined up. I have paid floor plans ready. What’s my problem? No Willow Park permit.

Willow Park is still in the fifties. They say no lot can have a second resident building, but buildings are going up without permits. The city knows this — what great planning and zoning! Toni Fisher in Planning and Zoning is trying hard. The story you hear is we have been working on the issue for a long time! Planning and Zoning only has the labor of one attorney, and he is put to a lot of use. Let me tell you I am ready for some results from my city government! The April 15 Planning and Zoning Meeting was canceled, and the business to address the second residence on a property is not scheduled until late May. I suggest the mayor look at available assets and see if permit planning might receive a little better priority, because right now you are stuck behind LA.

— Col Bill Kindred, USAF, (Ret)