By Srianthi Perera
The Arizona Republic
Wildhorse Ranch Rescue leaders thought the most difficult part of replacing its dilapidated barn was raising the funds.
They didn’t count on the county government’s bureaucracy.
Fundraising turned out to be a trivial concern. With a couple of grants toward the $60,000 construction cost, the Gilbert horse rescue near Lindsay and Warner roads can proceed with its plan.
The problems came when rescue leaders started applying for a permit from Maricopa County. Rescue leaders discovered that the county did not process an agricultural-exemption application they submitted in October 2011.
At that time, the county had cited the rescue for operating on non-commercial property, posing the possibility of having to shut down or pursue a costly special-use permit. The rescue also was cited for building a shade structure without proper permits.
If you’d like to discuss equine law, contact Adam Trenk, director of RLG Equine Law Department, atrenk@roselawgroup.com
