Why does the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury issue building permits without checking if there are restrictions on property at the Clerk of Court’s Office?

We had this happen in our neighborhood that has subdivision restrictions. If the new owners would have presented their business intentions to the zoning board, our restrictions would rule out the business being placed on a restricted lot.

In response, Wes Crain, parish Planning and Development Division director, sent the following statement to The Informer:

“Individual subdivision restrictions are placed on properties by the developer of the subdivision. Typically, they are more restrictive and cannot be any less restrictive than municipal or parish government laws and ordinances. Subdivision restrictions may be changed by property owners within a subdivision at any time.

“Since subdivision restrictions are not enacted by the governing authority, they are not enforced by the governing authority. For any property changes or improvements, it is the homeowner’s responsibility to verify that all subdivision restrictions will be followed. Disputes over compliance with subdivision restrictions must be settled in civil court if the parties cannot come to an agreement. If a person seeking a parish permit meets all Parish Ordinances, then the Parish is obligated to issue a permit.”

Call state PSC, FCC when calls won’t stop

I know you have covered questions about aggravating and unwanted telephone calls. However, will you, once again, give us the address we can contact concerning these people/companies who call over and over even when asked not to call again?

Sure thing.

If you haven’t already done so, you should first include your phone number — landline, cellphone or both — in the state and national no-call registries.

The number for the state list, which is maintained by the Louisiana Public Service Commission, is 877-676-0773.

The number for the national list, kept by the Federal Communications Commission, is 888-382-1222; the TTY number 866-290-4236.

If you’ve already done that and remain beset by telemarketers’ calls, you should file a complaint with the agency that oversees the list you joined.

The PSC only accepts complaints filed in writing. You can call 877-676-0773 to ask that a form be mailed to you, or you can download one from the agency’s website, www.lpsc.org.

You can call the FCC at 888-225-5322 — TTY: 888-835-5322 — or you can mail your complaint. The address is Federal Communications Commission, Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, Consumer Inquiries and Complaints Division, 445 12th St., SW, Washington, DC 20554.

Be sure your complaint includes your name and address; the soliciting firm’s name; and the phone number it called.

Online: www.fcc.gov.

The Informer answers questions from readers each Sunday, Monday and Wednesday. It is researched and written by Andrew Perzo, an American Press staff writer. To ask a question, call 494-4098, press 5 and leave voice mail, or email informer@americanpress.com

(mgnonline.com)