(Spirit Lake)– The Dickinson County Planning and Zoning Commission is refusing to get involved in a dispute between some neighbors in the Egralharve area on West Lake Okoboji.
Some who live in that area say their quality of life has been affected by atleast two homes in that area being rented out to numerous people during the summer. They’re requesting the commission do something through zoning to try to address problems with speeding, noise, trash and other issues.
The commission came back with a recommendation earlier this fall to the board of supervisors for a proposed amendment to delete commercial residential uses and clarify the definition of residential rentals. The supervisors sent the matter back to the P & Z for further review.
After lengthy discussion Monday, several P & Z commissioners expressed concern of implication the proposed change would have county-wide. As a result, it was the concensus of the commissioners they recomend to the board of supervisors that nothing be done. Instead, they encouraged those with concerns to try to meet with owners of the rental units to see if they can work something out.
The residents were also encouraged to report any illegal activity to the Sheriff’s Office, adding the Planning and Zoning Commission has no law enforcement authority.
