County can't ignore Ursa Rio

August 3, 2022

Now that Owen Benjamin Smith has unilaterally claimed through his attorney that his activities at Ursa Rio are not subject to county zoning rules, construction activity is up. Neighbors report that, since the end of July, a backhoe has come and gone, port-o-potties are back, and traffic has increased. The county regulations may be vague and poorly written, but this is no excuse for the county to allow an applicant to push them around this way.

The county cannot ignore the extensive record of opposition to this permanent “improved” campsite.

It is one thing for a landowner to allow campers and tents to share their residential property; it is entirely another to build six permanent camping cabins in a suburban residential neighborhood.

And now that Owen has freed himself of all zoning shackles, he will surely continue to construct the amphitheater so conveniently omitted from his original application. Not just family and friends, but dozens or more of his internet contributors could soon be attending events at Ursa Rio.

County government: Stay tuned!