"Use permit"

[Rene]

I have an "Ag" zoned lot. I am looking to get a "Use permit" for it and I'm wondering how difficult it is to obtain one and if I should even bother. I talked with the planning office and they were very helpfull but I'm looking for "real world" advice or tips. The "Use permit" is for a private go-kart track I want to put in my backyard.

Thanks,

[Kapohocat]

Did you review the uses permitted under the Ag designation?

Is there anything resembling what you want to do?

What did the planning dept say specifically? Did they give any indication that something like that might be approved. Having worked with them fairly often, you can tell by the nuances of what they dont say whether it might work.

[John S. Rabi]

They actually are pretty easy to work with and you shouldn't have any problem starting the process if the use is permitted. You will have to notify all your neighbors within a certain distance and there will be a hearing where the neighbors can speak for/against your project, so make friends with them beforehand! [][][]

Aloha,
John S. Rabi, GM,PB,ABR,CRB,CM,FHS
888.819.9669
johnrabi@johnrabi.com
http://www.JohnRabi.com
Typically Tropical Properties
"The Next Level of Service!"
(This is what I think of the Kona Board of Realtors http://KonaBoardOfRealtors.info)

[Rene]

The actual designation would be "Large outdoor amusement center" and Tracks are permitted acording to the planning department but I would have to get the "use permit". Like John said, I would have to notify all my neighbors even though this is to the rear of a 6 acre parcel and planned to be at least 3 feet deep. I don't think the neighbors would be cool with a "track" in their area. The thing is, if i get the "use permit" I could start a business renting track time and I dont want to do that. This track is just for me to tool around in the back yard and have fun. If the neighbors shoot down the "track" idea I guess I could call it a "12 foot wide meandering paved cart path" of course this would be used to observe plants and flowers in a disbaled access botanical garden...ahh heck? who am I kidding?? I just want a Go kart track,,lol..

[Seeb]

if its not for business you dont need any paper work

[Kapohocat]

quote:

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Originally posted by Seeb

if its not for business you dont need any paper work

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Thats what I was thinking - personal use not a business. Our mechanic who races dirt bikes, has a "track" that his kid and friends "play on" - nothing for business. In fact, I dont think they make any real money racing at sanctioned events across the island, they just do it for fun.

And isn't that the Puna way anyway if it is a business? [] Get use permits after the fact? (I dont advocate this, just an observation.)

[John S. Rabi]

quote:

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Originally posted by Seeb
if its not for business you dont need any paper work

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That is correct!

Aloha,
John S. Rabi, GM,PB,ABR,CRB,CM,FHS
888.819.9669
johnrabi@johnrabi.com
http://www.JohnRabi.com
Typically Tropical Properties
"The Next Level of Service!"
(This is what I think of the Kona Board of Realtors http://KonaBoardOfRealtors.info)

[Rene]

I'm not planning on a "dirt track" this will be a paved concrete course with a slurry seal top. I could kinda get the vibe from the planning officer that he thought it was a kick ass idea and that according to the statutes it was do-able. I guess it would fall under the same category as a "skate board park". Now I'm wondering if I should just buy one of those HOVE 3 acre lots in the midle of nowhere and build it there instead. This is most definatley going to be private and not a business venture. Thanks for the thoughts and I'll keep you folks posted on any progress.

[Youser]

I don't mean to rain on your parade, but isn't the noise going to be a bit offensive to your neighbors? I mean, if I was coming home after a long day at work and all I had to look forward to was hearing you meander around on your garden path in a go kart doing maximum speed, I wouldn't be too happy.

Is the notification to the neighbors just for their information, or if there is any objection do you have to reconsider?

[Kapohocat]

From very current experience, the people notified, and anyone else too, property owner or not within 300' or not, may submit a letter objecting or supporting the request. The PD takes them all and sifts through them. In our case, there was one that was so wackadoodle(1) the PD set it aside and dealt with the other letters which were not much opposition and lots of support.

They also address the usual PD concerns for the use permit.

(1) in this case, wackadoodle refers to a letter than was rambling and made not a lot of sense.