Individuals living in Auburn more than 30 years may remember that we had building codes that were not enforced.

Two family dwellings gobbled up to make four or five tiny apartments and on and on.

For whatever reason renters feel no responsibility to maintain the interior or the exteriors of the property. We now have a built-in code and an inspector that functions.

I would like to set up a little scenario.

You work, you pay your taxes, you may even go out and buy lumber for a do-it yourself project on your own property.

You might take the plunge to hire a contractor. No one can deny the necessity for having building permits. It's the law.

This law, like most laws, is enacted for the welfare of the public - extract the money from a property owner just for the privilege of enhancing one's property and hoping to beautify the city of Auburn.

The irony of this is your property tax will increase. I would like someone in city hall to consider the spirit of the law.

Stan Bryant

Auburn