What Use Are Zoning Laws
Judge Ronald M. Sohigian canceled a temporary restraining order closing the Extasy, which is operating without proper zoning permits and disrupting legal businesses in the community. He did this on the grounds that closing would be a financial hardship to the owners of this club, Seven for the Money, a corporation that owns and operates several of these clubs.
Does this imply that anyone can open and operate any type of business in any community without the proper permits and neighborhood approval by just stating that it would become a financial hardship to close them down?
Can we operate a church or school without the proper zoning? How about a gambling establishment or house of prostitution?
Why do we have zoning laws if a judge can disallow them as he chooses? Does a judge have so much power that he prevails over all else?
PHYLLIS BIGELSON, Northridge
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