$$325.00 in Little Falls, Mn. buys you any type of skirting the zoning laws you want.

It is confirmed that the city now charges $325.00 for every conditional use permit/variance application(non-refundable in the event you are not successful getting your conditional use issue accepted).   This is just a money scheme, and a way for the well-heeled to get whatever they want, in the way of skirting zoning ordinances.   Listen and you will see how a business on the West Side of Little Falls was able to convince the planning commission to bend the existing fence height regulation of 6 feet, to 8 feet.  Notice also, how snotty hot head Hanfler is to my question asked during the public hearing time.  It was a legitimate question, that needed to be asked by someone.   I wondered if any other businesses would be allowed. If Susy Prosapio asked that question, they would never answer in the same way.  Of course, anyone paying attention during the last 4 years, knows that this city, it's council, staff, and committee members DO NOT TREAT EVERYONE EQUALLY.  They pick and choose.  It is interesting to note, that in March 2007, Toni Wetzel, city attorney, warned the council  to not let variances come so often with your ordinances.   They aren't listening, as usual. Coborns and Walmart evidently were allowed through a variance to SKIRT the sign ordinance law.