Actually, No. Goes back to that 'willing compliance' thing.
I did have a government functionary drop by my home to inquire about my ongoing remodel, though. I must confess that my welcome did not reflect 'southern hospitality.'
You see, I have taken pains to work with the city, and have made damn sure everything is 'by the book,' and they are kept informed. More to the point, I know the city folks by now- and this gent sure wasn't amongst them.
A request for ID led to a comment about the rough day I was having - as well as the production of an out-of-state welfare department ID. (As an aside, did you realize that "DHS" can also stand for "Department of Human Services" as well as 'homeland security?' Look at the fine print!)
Now, this presented an interesting situation. You don't have to talk to these folks at all, but you sure can't lie to them- yet they can lie to you at will. At least, that's what my friend Martha Stewart tells me
. When his inquiry about the remodel got nowhere, he claimed to be concerned about a neighbor ..... later, he wanted to know when my place was last occupied. Gee, I wonder what he really was interested for? It's not often they cross state lines on 'fishing trips.'
For those who don't recall, the house is a $6000 forclosure that I bought, and is in the midst of a complete-gut remodel.
At this moment, in fact, I have nothing happening that requires a permit; I'm still in the 'demolition' phase. As I mentioned, I've been working quite closely with the AHJ. Yet, that simple fact did not prevent this gent from attempting to bluff his way onto property where he had no right to be, to search where he had no probable cause.
Maybe someone needs to have a chat with 'the guys down the hall' aboput how they're poisoning the well of public goodwill.
