St. Louis County Residents Overwhelmingly Say ‘NOPE’ To Land Use Ordinance

Money grab? Attack on freedom? Mind your own business. Those are the overwhelming messages circulating not only on social media but also in person, at a near record-breaking attendance at the recent St. Louis County Board meeting in White Township.

I haven't seen the parking lot that full since the last Laskianen Festival.

The board was taking public comment about a proposed land use ordinance involving the storage of inoperable vehicles on personal property. The original proposed ordinance would require land owners who have more than 5 visible inoperable vehicles on their property to apply and pay for a permit to make it a salvage facility.

That did not go over well with residents, as dozens spoke out in opposition. Many people were also unhappy that the board meeting was taking place at 9:30 in the morning on a workday, when many people couldn't attend. Even so, hundreds packed the old Palo School in White Township. They also brought a stack of petitions with more than 2,600 signatures.

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The board voted 6-1 to send the ordinance back to the Planning Commission for further review. The only member opposed was Commissioner Keith Nelson. Two of the rules they are reviewing are the storage of six or more inoperable vehicles and the classification of data centers. There is no schedule at this time for when it will be reviewed.

Some complained about rising taxes in St. Louis County, and this was just another "money grab" from the county. Residents of St. Louis County have made it clear, but will the county board now listen?

The county did not live-stream the meeting, but did say a video of the meeting would be posted to YouTube later. At the time of this article's publication, there has been no video on the St. Louis County YouTube page.