Nye County Planning Director Jack Lohman said there have been a few tense moments at his office.

His remarks came as he requested a $7,200 surveillance camera system from the Nye County commissioners last week.

"We've had some situations there where things got a little nervous and almost had to call the sheriff a couple times. Plus it gives us a record of transaction in case of a 'he said, she said,' situation," Lohman said.

Lohman first ran the proposal by the county safety committee.

One incident involved Eric Vessella, who, according to Lohman, began yelling loudly at members of the planning department while completing an application for a conditional use permit Feb. 3.

Vessella was standing at the front counter. A staff member told Vessella that sort of disruptive behavior wouldn't be tolerated and they had a verbal exchange.

Vessella had just detailed a long battle starting his business, Blue Pool Co., on his residential lot before county commissioners earlier that day.

Vesella said when he first sought a permit in 2005 for his business on Highway 160 just south of Country Place Road where he was planning a residence, he was told by county planners only an encroachment permit from the state was required. It took six months and cost $3,000, he said, in a statement titled, "Planning Department torture."

When the mobile home was about to be delivered to his lot, Vessella realized his permits expired. By then, his property had been zoned general commercial.

"They said I would now be required to submit a complete site development plan that would cost $25,000," Vessella said.

Next, the building department required him to sign an affidavit he would live in his home for one year and pay impact fees of $3,700.

A few months ago, Vessella said he finally received an occupancy permit and moved into his single-wide trailer. The planning department told him he couldn't transfer his existing business license to his new home address because home-based businesses weren't permitted in a general commercial zone, Vessella said.

The planning department then denied his request for a conditional use permit Jan. 28, he said.

"On three separate occasions, two separate employees insinuated that if I don't like zoning issues, I should move to Amargosa Valley, Beatty or Crystal," Vessella said.

In a response dated Feb. 17, Lohman wrote Vessella placed a manufactured home on his property, which was then rezoned to general commercial with the Pahrump comprehensive rezoning map in 2007. A residence isn't allowed in a commercial zone, but the existing manufactured home was considered a legal, non-conforming use since it was already there.

Lohman said Vessella added changes to his plan including a self-storage facility with a caretaker's quarters, a home-based business, a large garage and outdoor parking area with eight spaces.

On Jan. 28, Lohman said he spent considerable time with Vessella, telling him he needed a conditional use permit to expand the use of his property. Vessella objected to paying the $350 fee, didn't like the rules and felt they should not be applicable to him, Lohman wrote.

Ironically, the conditional use permit was approved without a fuss by the Pahrump Regional Planning Commission March 10.

"Imagine, anyone wanting to attack planning staff," County Commissioner Joni Eastley said sarcastically.

"I'm asking for this and a little body armor," Lohman responded.

* Fifth District Judge Robert Lane made an appearance personally before commissioners last week to request $112,976 for a Jefferson Audio Video System in both district courtrooms. The county will receive a $37,659 grant to pay for part of the cost.

A JAVS system has already been approved for the two justice courtrooms. It will record court proceedings on video.

But after Lane received permission to buy the system, Commissioner Butch Borasky admonished him: "I please ask you not to come back with anything else for the courtroom. We built an addition on it, given you audio video. Money is tight, so think hard before coming back."