In
September 2019 our Rescue met with the county. We requested approval
to add 6 rental spaces to be used for volunteers who wish to become a
part of our Animal Rescue.
The
county has only two different types of permits they can issue;
Residential or Commercial. Commercial requirements are stricter and
more costly since they are designed for a commercial endeavor, where
as residential is designed for homeowners.
We
do not really fall under either. The income generated by the lot
rental fee is designated to run the animal rescue. The funds are
needed to pay the mortgage on the land, yearly insurance for
volunteers, emergency vetting, well check vetting (updating
vaccinations, monthly heart worm and flea medications), feed bills,
updating dog and cat houses, normal maintenance on the property, etc.
So far this rescue has been 100% volunteer operated and our expenses
have been paid by the board members, with minimal outside donations.
We feel a non-profit has the legal right to fund itself but that is a
question for an attorney.
Because
of this legal question the board members of our rescue have decided
not to charge any lot rent until the residential requirements of the
county have been met. Therefore, we are submitting residential
permits at this time.
We
will seek legal council before moving forward with our plans to use
lot rent to fund the rescue.
