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General Forestry => Sawmills and Milling => Topic started by: 03westernstar on September 26, 2014, 12:22:00 AM

Title: Battle with the County and my Circle Mill
Post by: 03westernstar on September 26, 2014, 12:22:00 AM
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Title: Re: Battle with the County and my Circle Mill
Post by: redprospector on September 26, 2014, 12:44:37 AM
I sympathize with you. I'm going through some similar things right now.
For a "Free Country" that's supposed to cherish our "Liberties", we sure seem to have a lot of local and county ordinances, and state and federal laws that restrict our "Freedom, and Liberty".  :o :( >:(
Title: Re: Battle with the County and my Circle Mill
Post by: kderby on September 26, 2014, 01:01:33 AM
Of all the problem neighbors in the world you had to have a hobby sawmill? ;D ;D ;D  I can think of worse! ::)

Keep your chin up and see your way past this.  Sounds like the inspector is afraid of the complainer.  He thinks he has to put his foot down.

What kind of county, in the land of the free and the home of the brave, does not allow sawmills?

He can get a warrant to be on your property after a complaint?  Does he serve the public or do the people have to serve him?

Are there variance or acceptable conditions that you could arrive at?

Sorry for your troubles.  Play the game, to a point, but get back to making sawdust.  Sawdust is good nutrition!

Kderby
Title: Re: Battle with the County and my Circle Mill
Post by: thecfarm on September 26, 2014, 05:09:21 AM
At least you can have one. I had a guy come here from Kittery,ME,if I remember right, and he can not have one at all. The town banned all sawmills years ago. He said there was a guy that had a business with a circular mill. Slabs and lumber everywhere. Town did not like the way that looked. When he died,the town said no saw mills.
Title: Re: Battle with the County and my Circle Mill
Post by: AnthonyW on September 26, 2014, 05:37:37 AM
The zoning ordinances of my town include a list of permitted uses for each zone. The zone I am in does not permit the establishment to operate a sawmill. After review by a lawyer establishment = business. Me <> (not equal) business, therefore as long as I am not operating the sawmill as a business I can own and use a sawmill on my property. It does not specify portable or permanent, just sawmill.

You could always apply for a variance.
Title: Re: Battle with the County and my Circle Mill
Post by: Ron Wenrich on September 26, 2014, 06:06:08 AM
Sawmilling is looked upon as an extension of an agricultural business in PA.  Its also looked upon as being a primary producer, and you can get an exemption from sales tax.  PA is a right to farm state, so that makes a lot of those local ordinances obsolete.  That also means that they can't prevent you from logging. 

Here's a sawmill on wheels:


 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/14805/PICT0307.JPG)
Title: Re: Battle with the County and my Circle Mill
Post by: FarmingSawyer on September 26, 2014, 06:46:19 AM
Quote from: thecfarm on September 26, 2014, 05:09:21 AM
At least you can have one. I had a guy come here from Kittery,ME,if I remember right, and he can not have one at all. The town banned all sawmills years ago. He said there was a guy that had a business with a circular mill. Slabs and lumber everywhere. Town did not like the way that looked. When he died,the town said no saw mills.

I started reading this thread thinking, "Thank God we live in Maine....." But I see idiocy creeps in everywhere......I sometimes get irrigated at the gravel pit behind where I'm living....it's a mile away and I can here it into the night sometimes.....but then I remember I hate Nimbys....... I spent 20 years in the San Juan Islands of Washington State..... You could hear the sawmill I worked at across the water for miles....There was beginning to be talk of limiting/banning them. Then the sawmill sold--I couldn't afford to buy it, nor could I afford the land to put it on..... I am glad I moved from there...... I was a little amazed that where I was working in Poland (don't make the mistake the local lawyer did when trying to sue me for not completing a job the landowner blocked me from returning too.....because I had traveled to Poland and was "gone"...... :D Don't know what Maine boy doesn't know of Poland MAINE!!) for a few weeks that my 7am start didn't have the neighbors flooding out of their McMansions like bees to shut me down......that or the blue air every time I hit hardware......
Title: Re: Battle with the County and my Circle Mill
Post by: clww on September 26, 2014, 08:44:53 AM
It saddens me that so many counties of our Commonwealth are getting so stupid with self-serving ordinances and foolish laws.
You can park it on our property in Highland County any time.
Title: Re: Battle with the County and my Circle Mill
Post by: ddcuning on September 26, 2014, 09:05:43 AM
And they can't understand why there are lots of us so sick of government!

In Chatham County NC, you can have a sawmill with no restrictions as long as it isn't a business. If it is a business, it has to be on a specific size lot (20acres I think), zoned commercial/industrial and you have to get it permitted. Otherwise, you just have to meet the noise ordinances which is 65dBa at the property line during certain hours. My mill is only 50ft from the property line. I had the sheriff look mine over and basically he said "if you have a muffler, you meet the noise ordinances". The very liberal neighbor behind me was trying to sue me to stop me running the mill. Luckily in my case, the sheriff took my side and told the neighbor to let it go.

Dave C
Title: Re: Battle with the County and my Circle Mill
Post by: ely on September 26, 2014, 09:10:41 AM
the deputy "said" he had a warrant to search the property... if it were me I would told him to produce said warrant... because without the warrant he would be in violation of your rights... until you invited him onto your land.
I could not imagine living in a county like you describe.
if your neighbors don't like your sawmill I bet they would crap their collective pants when I fired up my airboat.

I would bet a dollar to a donut that the offended neighbor that is complaining is a busy body that is kin to some higher up in the county.
Title: Re: Battle with the County and my Circle Mill
Post by: blade69001 on September 26, 2014, 09:15:30 AM
 This makes me feel blessed, I ran my gas powered resaw in my garage in my neighborhood for about six months. Not once did I get a complaint.
Sean P
Title: Re: Battle with the County and my Circle Mill
Post by: BBK on September 26, 2014, 09:47:48 AM
Quote from: Ron Wenrich on September 26, 2014, 06:06:08 AM
Sawmilling is looked upon as an extension of an agricultural business in PA.  Its also looked upon as being a primary producer, and you can get an exemption from sales tax.  PA is a right to farm state, so that makes a lot of those local ordinances obsolete.  That also means that they can't prevent you from logging. 

Here's a sawmill on wheels:


 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/14805/PICT0307.JPG)

Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia have "Right to Farm Acts". Virginia recently modified theirs. You may want to check into the zoning for your area. If it has any provisions for agriculture use you may be exempt from local ordinances.

Good luck.
Title: Re: Battle with the County and my Circle Mill
Post by: Dave Shepard on September 26, 2014, 10:18:02 AM
My town allows a mill as an ancillary activity on a farm. I wouldn't want to try and got too big, however.
Title: Re: Battle with the County and my Circle Mill
Post by: hunz on September 26, 2014, 10:32:40 AM
If all else fails I would get part of your land rezoned commercial. I recently had to do that for an event facility business my wife and I run, now we have no more griping from code enforcement. Its kind of a sucky process with having to meet in front of a formal zoning board, giving reasons why you want to change it, why it is good for the local economy etc.....

  I would have asked for a warrant myself. I have never heard of a code enforcement officer having the same rights as a law man..just doesn't seem right to me.

A funny story that happened recently:

A close friend of my wife's(woman) was home alone during the day when the county tax assessors showed up at her place after their new home was built. Apparently they were making rounds on new residences to check on bed/bth and sq/ft #'s to assess the value. They first asked to come in until they saw her gun. She met them at the door with a .357 magnum.....she made sure to let them know she had it. They didn't stay long! Myself, I don't care who you are, if you come unannounced on my farm, who will most likely see me openly displaying my gun until you show me valid I'd/ warrant.

A big problem I see today, is Americans are unaware of their "own" rights. These county officials are your servants, not the other way around. You are doing a good job so far, keep it up, and I'm sure you will prevail. I would recommend a "Posted" sign at any entrance to your property, a gate would also help. Only way in for them is to B&E without a warrant. You'd find out if they had one then.


Molon Labe
Title: Re: Battle with the County and my Circle Mill
Post by: Leigh Family Farm on September 26, 2014, 12:27:49 PM
Such a shame to go through this...

1) Did you get a copy of the warrant?
2) Does the sawmill have to be on wheels to be considered portable? Farmers will put chicken coops, hoop houses, and small sheds on skids so they are not permanent structures, thus not taxable. Could you put your sawmill on skids and show that you can move it?
3) Do the wheels have to be useable? Meaning, the wheels you put on the sawmill actually have to allow for the sawmill to be moved.
Title: Re: Battle with the County and my Circle Mill
Post by: JJ on September 26, 2014, 03:12:29 PM
About 25 years ago, I had waterfront owner near me build few weekly rental cottages too close to water line.
When he was told to remove the permanent structures he lag bolted rims with tires to each one.  ::)

It didn't fly, so now there is permanent trailer park of travel trailers there.  Several are quite old.

I look up images of portable Frick sawmills, and some have wheels, but others don't look like they will move easily.
Good luck with your local goverment.

        JJ
Title: Re: Battle with the County and my Circle Mill
Post by: Joe Hillmann on September 26, 2014, 04:04:37 PM
Do any of the ordinances define what portable is?

To the US Army and the Forest Service a full size production circular mill is considered portable because once they are done in an area they can take it apart and move it.

I would think if you can prove that you can move it; on wheels, skids, lift it on to a trailer with a crane, ect.  it would/could be called portable.

Title: Re: Battle with the County and my Circle Mill
Post by: Ianab on September 26, 2014, 06:26:27 PM
I think you have the out you need as the regs say portable IS allowed. Does it specify wheels, or just say portable? I mean my mill is super portable, but has no wheels. You pick up the individual parts and load them on a pickup.

But it it does specify "wheels" then you just bolt an old truck axle under one end and a drawer bar on the other. Doesn't have to be roadworthy or anything, just something you can drag around behind a tractor if you want it moved.  It will look something like Ron's pic, and that looks "portable" to me.

This will be a lot less grief than fighting over it. If you start pulling the "you need a warrant" stuff, you will be picking a fight. They will just come back with a warrant and police backup, and make a Mt out of a molehill. Easier to make it obviously portable, show the guy the copy of the regs, show him that the mill is obviously "portable", and wish him a nice day. He can go back to the office, close the complaint off as "Investigated, machinery complies with regulations, no further action needed."

Ian
Title: Re: Battle with the County and my Circle Mill
Post by: Buddyw on September 26, 2014, 07:54:47 PM
Slip a set of wheels under it like mine.
I have a Frick 01 (portable) mill.
This picture was taken just after I set the husk frame/carriage assembly on its foundation.
The tires are still on it but, they are not touching the ground.

 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/30634/2013_037%7E2.JPG)
Title: Re: Battle with the County and my Circle Mill
Post by: Don_Papenburg on September 26, 2014, 11:17:34 PM
You are young yet ,  Run for a seat on the county board , 
try to replace the stupid laws /regs  with common sense suggestions.

Aaron Schock started at 17 running for Peoria county school board and has not lost a race yet .  He is now in the state legislature.  It all started because of stupid rules placed on students by the board of ed and admins.
Title: Re: Battle with the County and my Circle Mill
Post by: redprospector on September 26, 2014, 11:41:35 PM
You have to have a certain temperament to sit in a political office.
You have to have an altogether different mind set, and temperament if you intend to change anything while sitting in that political office.
I sit on our town council and feel like I'm beating my head against the wall most of the time. It truly is amazing the stupidity that can exist in the people who are supposed to be our leadership.
We have ordinances that I'm trying to change that do an "end around" property rights that are listed in the Bill of Rights of our great country. I get told that since we live in a municipality that we should expect to give up certain rights.  :D I asked them "then what?". They didn't understand, so I said if we leave our rights at the city limits, then the county will say "we have to have some control over these people". Now we have to leave our rights at the county line. Then what? The state wants control over us, and on and on until we have to leave our rights at the Atlantic, the Pacific, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Canadian border.
Stand up folks! Once your rights are gone, you won't get them back...ever.
Too many men, women, and children have given their lives to afford you your rights, don't let some bunch of uppity yuppies take them from you without a fight!
Ok, I'll get off my soap box now.
Title: Re: Battle with the County and my Circle Mill
Post by: hunz on September 27, 2014, 12:27:36 AM
Quote from: redprospector on September 26, 2014, 11:41:35 PM
You have to have a certain temperament to sit in a political office.
You have to have an altogether different mind set, and temperament if you intend to change anything while sitting in that political office.
I sit on our town council and feel like I'm beating my head against the wall most of the time. It truly is amazing the stupidity that can exist in the people who are supposed to be our leadership.
We have ordinances that I'm trying to change that do an "end around" property rights that are listed in the Bill of Rights of our great country. I get told that since we live in a municipality that we should expect to give up certain rights.  :D I asked them "then what?". They didn't understand, so I said if we leave our rights at the city limits, then the county will say "we have to have some control over these people". Now we have to leave our rights at the county line. Then what? The state wants control over us, and on and on until we have to leave our rights at the Atlantic, the Pacific, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Canadian border.
Stand up folks! Once your rights are gone, you won't get them back...ever.
Too many men, women, and children have given their lives to afford you your rights, don't let some bunch of uppity yuppies take them from you without a fight!
Ok, I'll get off my soap box now.

I don't think you're on a soap box at all. The plain simple fact is that most people these days would rather "comply" than fight for injustice. I know this topic may be getting slightly off topic here, (especially with my comments) but something MUST be said. "Once your rights are gone....they're gone".......its true. Americans have lost their fight for basic tyranny, and quite frankly the USA isn't what it is today because we just complied with Britain.

If you post your property and install a gate, what can the county do? Is the mill in plain view from the road? If not you could just say it has been made portable. You have no legal responsibility to show a code enforcement officer a private mill operation on private land period, and they know that! They are just hoping you will cooperate. Surrender your constitutional rights voluntarily. They have no push, nor is the county going to get the sheriff's dept involved over a sawmill ordinance.....trust me. The whole thing about not asking for a warrant because it will cause more problems comes straight from the mouth of someone who sure isn't going to be in my foxhole if things ever go south, that's for sure. Like I said, Americans have lost their spirit to fight for what is right. Now I'll get off my soapbox!

Title: Re: Battle with the County and my Circle Mill
Post by: Southside on September 27, 2014, 03:00:25 AM
By law the deputy would have had to leave you with a copy of the search warrant and an "inventory" of any items seized.  Even if there were none taken. If he was BS ing you about having a warrant then anything he and the code enforcement guy saw are "fruit of the poisonous tree" and can not be used against you as consent must be "voluntary and free of coeersion", in this case clearly he coersed you into showing him your property. If it were me I would go after the Sheriff office and the county so hard they would be afraid to look at me again. I spent a long time as a full time law enforcement officer and I detest cops who think it is OK to dance on the Constitution because they are on a power trip, and know that most folks will avoid any disagreement with them.  Examples like this need to stop and people need to be held accountable.
If he comes back politely ask for a copy of the warrant, if he does not have one I would clearly tell him he does not have consent to enter onto your land, especially what is called the curtilidige. Don't physically try to stop them, but if they proceed at that point doccument it all and get it to an attorney.  You will prevail.
Title: Re: Battle with the County and my Circle Mill
Post by: 03westernstar on September 27, 2014, 03:52:59 AM
Thank y'all for all of the suggestions and questions and comments,I Would answer each question with a quote but i would be quoting way to much so i am going to answer to the best of my ability. BBK,hunz,kilgrosh,Joe Hillmann,Ianab, Southside Logger, and im Sorry if i missed someone,its been a long day driving.

Im going to try and work with the county because i think im the only one around with a mill and i do not want them to ban mills altogether(no commercial mills around either)

He did have a warrant and I do have a copy.

The right to farm act doesn't cover agricultural/residential zoned land it only covers JUST agricultural zoned land. as far as i know

I have posted signs,and a gate but if im home i do not shut it because ive never had trouble with random County inspectors showing up.

The ordinance defines portable as being on wheels or TRACKS? :-\ But a building/shed can be on skids or the like. ::)

So i called the second county official and he said that as long as the mill is on wheels or tracks and can be moved with minimal effort?  ??? I don't know what effort has to do with it, i could care less if my JD lawnmower or the 1370 Case tractor can move it, but he meant without a months worth of work, it is alright to operate as a hobby mill :-\

But if all i have to do is add wheels and then i can put my mill beside my shop and not aggravate anyone then everything will be alright, and it will shut them up,sounds easy right?

and if i wanted to i could take it to the County AG Fair as an antique sawmill demonstration (the only upside i can think to adding wheels)

Anything ive missed?
Title: Re: Battle with the County and my Circle Mill
Post by: Ianab on September 27, 2014, 04:19:57 AM
QuoteBut if all i have to do is add wheels and then i can put my mill beside my shop and not aggravate anyone then everything will be alright, and it will shut them up,sounds easy right?

That would seem the easiest option.

You might not agree with the law, and even lobby to change it, but right now the law is on their side.

Bolt on an axle, hook it to your tractor and drag it down to your shop. Phone the inspector and tell him your mill is compliant, and he can come and inspect it any time cos it's now in a more convenient location. Which also proves it's portable.

You can make your life a LOT more difficult by protesting your "Rights"

Locking the gate is pretty pointless as anyone can see the mill on Google Earth, which gives probable cause for a search warrant etc. You can go down fighting, or spend $100 and just keep sawing....

Pick your battles....
Title: Re: Battle with the County and my Circle Mill
Post by: landscraper on September 27, 2014, 11:56:45 AM
I'd put the wheels on, path of least resistance.......but, one thing I'd add is that Virginia Senate Bill SB51/House Bill HB268 (which is the most recent strengthening of the farmer rights in Virginia, and was adopted this year) has some language that may have some benefit to you if the neighbor/complainant doesn't go away after you make your mill portable.

Code of Virginia Section 15.2-2288.5-B-5 says that among the things that counties etc. may NOT prohibit is "Other activities or events that are usual and customary at Virginia agricultural operations".   Awfully broad.  I would assert to them that the intermittent operation of a small scale sawmill is indeed usual and customary on a farm.  Many small portable sawmills such as Frick and Belsaw and American were marketed and sold to farmers.  Woodmizer actively advertises to farmers as we speak.  Heck, the Waltons were farmers and had a sawmill. Farm building lumber, posts, fencing material etc. are some of the core outputs of small sawmills. Section B does not reference the zoning of the agricultural operation, but neither does it contraindicate the zoning classification of your county.  So, if you are carrying out agricultural operations (including the sawing) on land not zoned by your county for agriculture, your dilemma might not be whether you can saw wood, but rather whether you can do anything other than the listed by-right uses for your zoning type.   However, if you are zoned agricultural and can successfully argue the "usual and customary" angle I think you could convince a zoning administrator that the county level ordinance is in violation of state ordinance.

Good luck
Title: Re: Battle with the County and my Circle Mill
Post by: redprospector on September 27, 2014, 04:53:56 PM
Quote from: Ianab on September 27, 2014, 04:19:57 AM
Pick your battles....

Or you could stand on a set of principals, and then I guess the battles will choose you. If I go down fighting, at least I've gone down standing for something other than taking the course of the least resistance, and surrendering my God given rights to come into compliance with the way someone else wants me to live.
I'm sorry for all who are willing to surrender their rights in this great country.

That's all I have to say about this.
Title: Re: Battle with the County and my Circle Mill
Post by: SLawyer Dave on September 27, 2014, 06:11:38 PM
Quote from: Southside logger on September 27, 2014, 03:00:25 AM
By law the deputy would have had to leave you with a copy of the search warrant and an "inventory" of any items seized.  Even if there were none taken. If he was BS ing you about having a warrant then anything he and the code enforcement guy saw are "fruit of the poisonous tree" and can not be used against you as consent must be "voluntary and free of coeersion",

Unfortunately, both state and federal courts have pretty much completely over-turned these "time honored" views of the 4th Amendment.  Under current jurisprudence, it is perfectly fine for law enforcement to LIE to you.  They can threaten, coerce, stall, harass, and LIE.....and if you finally give them "permission" to search, enter your land/house, etc., the courts will find that the protection of the 4th Amendment does not apply because you waived such by agreeing to the search. 

Generally if they actually exercise any actual "force", then the 4th Amendment will still apply.  If however, all they do is threaten and lie about what is going to happen to you if you don't "cooperate", then if you choose to cooperate, you lose almost all Constitutional protections. 

I sit part time as a traffic commissioner.  A week ago, I had a gentlemen appear for his arraignment and described a traffic stop where in he was "pressured" to agree to a vehicle search.  He did so.  They found several crushed beer cans on his passenger floor board.  They then did a sobriety (breathalyzer) test, and he blew a 0.0.  Still, the officer cited him for having an "open container" in the vehicle.  I set the matter for trial, even though the defendant was willing to plead "no contest", because if the facts he related to me are "accurate", then I have a real problem with an officer citing someone for picking up discarded beer cans, (if they have no evidence of anything else).  He obviously wasn't drinking out of the cans, and he said they didn't collect any of them as evidence.  So I surely wonder how the officer deduced that his story of picking them up for their recycle value, and to clean the roadside wasn't true. 

Further, if they guy agrees to a vehicle search, and you don't find anything showing a 'current' issue, then why not show some discretion.  At worst this guy should have been given a warning, (put any cans you pick up in a bag and tie it closed so that they are not "reasonably" available to you).  Alas, many law enforcement, (especially amongst the younger officers), don't understand that simply being able to quote a law violation makes a ticket or other action proper.  Strict adherence to laws, without discretion, leads to Tyranny, not Justice.  That is why law enforcement officers have to take an oath, (very similar to mine), that requires them to enforce the law with discretion, to maintain the ends of Justice.

When faced with law enforcement orders, threats, etc., we each have to make a decision on how we choose to respond.  I have a TON of respect for law enforcement as a whole.  It is a very difficult job.  However, just like in every profession, there are good guys, and less there so.  So know your rights, and use your head. 

Title: Re: Battle with the County and my Circle Mill
Post by: Southside on September 30, 2014, 02:31:56 PM
Dave,

I could go on for quite a long time here, but from what you have said I believe that it is necessary for citizens to be educated and exercise their rights.  I was with three or four guys from my section on a camping outing one time when a LEO tried to rail-road us in a hard way, he had no idea we were all Troopers.  He demanded to search my truck and went ballistic when he found my .45, called over his C.O., and was literally jumping up and down and yelling.  The C.O. walked over to me and asked if that was my weapon and if it was loaded, to which I replied yes, he then asked if they would find anything else in my truck, I told him my ID was about 2 inches from my .45, you should have seen the Oh 6!@#%^&* look on both of their faces when they realized who we were, and the fact that we were even in our patrol troop - even as a civilian that weapon was 100% legal the way it was.  What would have happened to Joe Q citizen in that case?  I suspect things would have been very different.  The pendulum of justice swings both ways and needs to return to the Constitution in my humble opinion. 

I had a judge one time ask me why I thought it was OK to search under a "prima facia" law that was "on the books", to which I replied that Title 12 allowed such searches - he then informed me that the Constitution does not allow it - took a bit to sink in but it eventually did.  I agree most LEO's want to do the right thing and work honorably, but have to wonder just where the administration of a lot of agencies is taking them.   
Title: Re: Battle with the County and my Circle Mill
Post by: sealark37 on September 30, 2014, 03:54:18 PM
The old sawyer that sold his portable mill to me solved the "portable" question by mounting his power unit on an old truck axle.  The tires never held air, but provided a good base for the old UD-14.  He said that the wheels silenced the zoning inspector who came to shut him down, even though the mill never moved in many years.  Regards, Clark
Title: Re: Battle with the County and my Circle Mill
Post by: gimpy on October 02, 2014, 07:02:23 PM
I would never give consent to a search. But I won't necessarily prevent it from happening. That is why I have a good attorney. Court is where any "evidence" and illegal procedures will be dealt with.

I live in an open carry rural state. My wife and I both have concealed carry permits. When my wife and I are on our farm, we open carry and anyone on our property without an invite is confronted with our weapons in hand. We are 45 miles out of town. Prior friendly neighbors are always welcome without threat.

I have also met with a few of the state patrol in the area and they have been invited to our place anytime they need a place to pee or need a refreshment or a cool place to sit for a bit. I don't have a problem with LEO. In fact, they are more likely to need my help than me needing theirs. I'll be there. With budget constraints, I have offered to pick-up any dead wildlife hit by vehicles along the highway to add to my compost pile. I'm closer and there's no cost to help.

But if I had a problem with any uninvited county employee/inspector, they'd have to make a specific appointment for any return visit and I would advise them to bring an LEO with them for both of our safety and to document any possible problems. My gate is never left open and it is posted.

I find few city and/or county employees that fully understand the written laws and I'm good at researching and understanding them myself.

But that's just me. I got out of heavily populated areas for this very reason.
Title: Re: Battle with the County and my Circle Mill
Post by: qbilder on October 03, 2014, 10:46:50 AM
I think it's time for you to get a chain saw mill with twin 120+cc saws, muffler modded of course. Run that for a few hours & your neighbors will be begging for you to use the Frick instead. CSM is as portable as can be. Might want to look into raising a few hogs, too, with the pen right on the property line.     
Title: Re: Battle with the County and my Circle Mill
Post by: mesquite buckeye on October 03, 2014, 11:28:20 AM
Hogs are stinky. ;D

My dad said they smelled like money to him. ;D 8) 8) 8) :snowball:
Title: Re: Battle with the County and my Circle Mill
Post by: Brad_bb on October 03, 2014, 01:21:50 PM
Ianab, just under two years ago we got a bunch of "our" people elected to our county board.  They just voted that Satellite imagery/google earth can no longer be used by the county to look for code violations or to be used as evidence.  Just like you cannot walk into somebody's house or fenced in back yard, they're considering it an invasion of privacy, a warrant-less search.  And that was with an evenly split Repub/Dem board.  Chalk one up for freedom!

03westernstar, If you've got  one of those crabby neighbors, this probably won't be the end of it.  They may look for redress, an alternative through the county officials.  All I can say is that you try to be as respectful of your neighbors whenever possible.  I think you should have a right to run your mill on weekends, but on the other hand, if they have to listen to it, it shouldn't be every weekend, or all day.  Can you mill during the week at all to reduce your weekend milling?  I just got a band mill, and I'm running it inside my building.  I think it does keep the noise down, though that's not a big problem for my area.  It also keeps it more secure and allows me to use it when it's raining.  ;D
Title: Re: Battle with the County and my Circle Mill
Post by: delvis on October 03, 2014, 07:38:46 PM
Westernstar, I know it isn't easy to pack up and move away but you're too young to have to spend a lifetime dealing with that kind of bureaucracy.  Move to a more business friendly place where people tend to mind their own business!
Title: Re: Battle with the County and my Circle Mill
Post by: Solomon on October 03, 2014, 11:29:54 PM
Quote from: thecfarm on September 26, 2014, 05:09:21 AM
At least you can have one. I had a guy come here from Kittery,ME,if I remember right, and he can not have one at all. The town banned all sawmills years ago. He said there was a guy that had a business with a circular mill. Slabs and lumber everywhere. Town did not like the way that looked. When he died,the town said no saw mills.

  Did you ask to see the warrant????????    The city I live in tried that foolishness with me ,  However, my mill is a portable band mill with a permanent licence plate on it so its a registered vehicle.  I can park it on the street if I want to and told the man so.  They backed off and I never heard from them again.

   The Fourth Amendment States;   "The right of the People to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, shall not be violated, and, no warrants shall issue but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation , and particularly describing the place to be searched and the persons or things to be seized".
 
  If you did not actually see the warrant,  I seriously doupt he actually had one.  A good attorney would have a party with that in the court room.   If he did have one , It was not legally issued.   City and county ordanince's  have to mirror and not conflict with state law in all fifty states.     Talk to your attorney,  you have a good law suit.
Title: Re: Battle with the County and my Circle Mill
Post by: Solomon on October 03, 2014, 11:33:33 PM
Quote from: delvis on October 03, 2014, 07:38:46 PM
Westernstar, I know it isn't easy to pack up and move away but you're too young to have to spend a lifetime dealing with that kind of bureaucracy.  Move to a more business friendly place where people tend to mind their own business!

   That's good advise !!!!! smiley_inspector
Title: Re: Battle with the County and my Circle Mill
Post by: Dave Shepard on October 04, 2014, 09:45:27 AM
He's already started he has a copy of the warrant.
Title: Re: Battle with the County and my Circle Mill
Post by: Solomon on October 05, 2014, 12:53:07 PM
Quote from: Dave Shepard on October 04, 2014, 09:45:27 AM
He's already started he has a copy of the warrant.
I would have to challenge that warrant in state or Federal Court.
As long as its out of sight, and it appears you have it on wheels now, simply possessing a mill on your property does not constitute cause for the a magistrate or even a Judge to issue such a search warrant and most certianly not for private property.  I'm assuming you own the property ????
Title: Re: Battle with the County and my Circle Mill
Post by: Solomon on October 05, 2014, 12:55:35 PM
And has he shown you the warrant? And you are entitled to a copy of the warrant.  Did you receive a copy ??!
Title: Re: Battle with the County and my Circle Mill
Post by: 03westernstar on October 05, 2014, 10:21:32 PM
Quote from: Solomon on October 05, 2014, 12:55:35 PM
And has he shown you the warrant? And you are entitled to a copy of the warrant.  Did you receive a copy ??!


Yes i do have a copy of the warrent
Title: Re: Battle with the County and my Circle Mill
Post by: 5quarter on October 06, 2014, 01:28:09 AM
Westernstar...I'm glad you will soon be "legal" and back to sawing. It's perfectly understandable that most folks find it much easier and simpler to just comply with whatever regulation or ordinance they happen to be in violation of at the time. it is much harder to contest these things in terms of Money, time and added stress. But at what point do you say enough already?  Perhaps next year they pass a decibel ordinance and you have upgrade the muffler. Then a clean air regulation is passed that says you must capture and contain 95% of your sawdust. Then another ordinance comes along stating that sawmills, for reasons of safety, can only operate in a secure location, such as within a fenced perimeter or inside a building. At some point, you have to draw a line in the sawdust. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad you'll be back to sawing, but I'm also frustrated whenever I hear about a "Public official" once again encroaching on our civil liberties. now where's that little green elf with the snowball?

Aha!   :snowball: :snowball:
Title: Re: Battle with the County and my Circle Mill
Post by: VT_Forestry on October 06, 2014, 07:00:53 AM
I've looked all over the code for Caroline County and can't find a single reference to anything about sawmill operations.  Does the warrant make a reference to the code you are supposedly violating? 

If the noise is the issue, they need to come out and measure it at the property line while the mill is running...different zoning is allowed different levels of constant noise from a stationary source.  Rural is 55dB, residential is 60dB, but all of that is exempt for forestry and agriculture.  I'm curious to how this shakes out, I'm not a big fan of counties flexing their muscles  ::)
Title: Re: Battle with the County and my Circle Mill
Post by: valley ranch on February 09, 2015, 12:23:03 PM
Greetings, Is there any more on this? Have you made the mill portable? Best of luck.

Richard

Title: Re: Battle with the County and my Circle Mill
Post by: acrosteve on February 09, 2015, 04:28:37 PM
Welcome to the new world order.  It only gets better and better.












Unfortunately
Title: Re: Battle with the County and my Circle Mill
Post by: nk14zp on February 10, 2015, 08:09:54 AM
Here is a portable one for inspiration
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uz-XBqyfbsk
Title: Re: Battle with the County and my Circle Mill
Post by: Magicman on February 10, 2015, 08:47:32 AM
Thanks for that video.  That sawyer was up close and personal for sure.   ;D
Title: Re: Battle with the County and my Circle Mill
Post by: 4x4American on February 10, 2015, 10:02:53 AM
That mill is awesome!
Title: Re: Battle with the County and my Circle Mill
Post by: LeeB on February 10, 2015, 10:46:39 AM
 :o :o :o Tat was cool. The edger is awesome.
Title: Re: Battle with the County and my Circle Mill
Post by: submarinesailor on February 10, 2015, 04:32:40 PM
Quote from: LeeB on February 10, 2015, 10:46:39 AM
:o :o :o Tat was cool. The edger is awesome.
Ditto what Lee said.  I really liked the built in edger.

Bruce
Title: Re: Battle with the County and my Circle Mill
Post by: DeerMeadowFarm on February 10, 2015, 05:07:57 PM
That was the coolest mill I've ever seen!
Title: Re: Battle with the County and my Circle Mill
Post by: Peter Drouin on February 12, 2015, 07:36:26 AM
That is a nice saw , Had it all , Even a top saw.
Title: Re: Battle with the County and my Circle Mill
Post by: buzywoodliff on February 12, 2015, 02:38:51 PM
Holy WOW!!!

That's impressive.... When you cut that much, that fast, is it still fun or does it just become your job?
Title: Re: Battle with the County and my Circle Mill
Post by: so il logger on February 12, 2015, 03:02:36 PM
Very good sawyer. The mill that I log for is a circle mill with three edger blades, and they run hard like that as well. As far as it becoming a job according to my father in law the head sawyer he say's it get's boring and he can't wait for the weekend  :D
Title: Re: Battle with the County and my Circle Mill
Post by: ely on February 27, 2015, 04:39:03 PM
just seen the video, man that is a cool saw. I see what the edger does, but what is the purpose of the other blade on top. I never seen it do much...or did I just miss it.?
Title: Re: Battle with the County and my Circle Mill
Post by: beenthere on February 27, 2015, 05:46:11 PM
The top saw is to saw through a large log that the main (head) saw cannot reach through.
Title: Re: Battle with the County and my Circle Mill
Post by: Chuck White on February 27, 2015, 07:47:03 PM
If one was to get a circle mill, that would be the one!

Thanks for posting!