By Jennifer Wilson - Jackson’s Building and Planning Departments came under fire earlier this week when a permit violation issued in front of the Jackson Planning Commission unexpectedly switched directions. On the agenda at Monday night’s meeting was a Landscape Planning Ordinance violation by Brett Yochheim, who owns property on Jackson Gate Road. City staff assert that Yochheim proceeded with grading before obtaining a permit and damaged several trees on the property. City Planner Susan Peters gave a brief overview of the events leading up to the violation. Initial reaction from the Planning Commission was somewhat harsh. Commissioner Walt Hoeser commented that “we need to stop this (type of abuse)… I can’t believe the amount of grading that has already happened (without a permit).” Yochheim claims that he has followed the city’s instructions to the letter, including the submission of a building permit, grading plan, and paying the appropriate fees. On October 10th, Yochheim claims his plan was accepted by Senior Building Inspector Larry White and he was told verbally to proceed “with brushing and cutting.” “I was never informed by the building department (about the trees). I (wasn’t trying) to sneak this in. I’ve lived in Amador County for 22 years and have been a contractor for 15, and I was under the impression that I followed the right steps,’ said Yochheim. Commissioner Dave Butow called the entire issue a “moot point” and questioned the organization of the City of Jackson. “The city manager should have dealt with this before it got to this point… he paid his money, and should have gotten his permit.” Then, looking at Peters and City Manager Mike Daly, he added, “you guys are on the hook.” Peters and Daly defended their positions, stating that paying the money doesn’t equal having a permit in hand. In the end, the commission decided to impose a five-year tree monitoring plan, as well as mandatory maintenance of the trees.