It is for the revenue.
Via GF Trib
Cascade County, with the help of Google, has discovered dozens of new buildings, including a sawmill, constructed without permits since new zoning regulations went into effect in 2009.
Google Earth is a map and geographical information program that uses photographs and images taken by satellites.
Using the program, county planners, from the office, are systematically viewing areas of the county and comparing satellite images taken after Aug. 25, 2009, to current conditions on the ground.
Zoning changes went into effect on that date requiring residents to get a location conformance permit from the county before buildings are constructed on parcels fewer than 160 acres.
Dozens of new buildings have been discovered, said Susan Conell, the county’s planning director.[…]
Of the 109 violations, 71 have been resolved after property owners received the letter from the county and applied for permits, Conell said.
Three people indicated they plan to fight the violations, Conell said. Some raised privacy concerns because of the county’s use of Google Earth and others complained about the cost of the permits, Conell said.
The cost of a location conformance permit needed to construct a building is $50.
The zoning regulations require that a $200 fee be assessed if work on the structure begins prior to the issuance of a location conformance permit.
Google Earth is a tool that saves time and money, Conell said. “This is just one way to do my job thoroughly,” she said.