Opinion ID: 2607865
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: use classification

Text: Since the challenged county code provisions do not attempt to prohibit the conveyance of owner-built residences, a classification of owner-built residences is not truly based upon either use or occupancy. The classification, rather, is purely based upon the identity of the builder. As far as the county code is concerned, anyone in San Juan County may build himself a home every 5 years, to whatever standards he likes, and sell it to others. Given the well known mobility of the American public, it is safe to assume that, in a couple of decades, most of the owner-built residences now standing in San Juan County will be occupied by persons other than the owner-builders. There will be no easy way for potential occupants, fire and safety officials, or anyone else to distinguish those residences from those in the county built to the State's minimum performance standards.