Josephine County’s Code Enforcement Division has issued a Notice of Violation to the Baertschiger Living Trust, specifically tied to Red Barn Hay & Feed, a business operating at 670 Hunt Lane in Grants Pass. The official notice, dated November 20, 2024, accuses the landowners of placing or constructing an “unpermitted business” on the property without obtaining the required development and building safety permits. While such violations are not uncommon, the involvement of the Red Barn Hay & Feed business has drawn significant attention due to its connection to Herman E. Baertschiger Jr., the current Josephine County Commissioner.
The violation notice, signed by Code Enforcement Officer Michelle Marlowe, references Josephine County land use regulations and the Oregon State Specialty Building Codes, which mandate that businesses or structures obtain permits and inspections to ensure compliance with safety standards. Penalties for failing to comply can range from $500 for a noncontinuing offense to as much as $1,000 per day for ongoing violations.
The property at 670 Hunt Lane is held under the Baertschiger Living Trust, with Commissioner Baertschiger’s name associated with the trust. Red Barn Hay & Feed, a long-standing feed and supply business at the location, now faces scrutiny after county records revealed the absence of proper permitting.
Herman Baertschiger Jr., a former state senator turned County Commissioner, has built a reputation for advocating reduced regulatory barriers and streamlined government processes. However, this violation raises broader concerns about fairness and consistency in the enforcement of land use laws, particularly when involving public officials or their properties. The situation highlights troubling optics, as some residents believe such violations would prompt quicker penalties if they involved individuals without political connections.
The county has yet to clarify the specific nature of Red Barn Hay & Feed’s violation beyond the absence of required permits. Code Enforcement confirmed that no application for land use or building safety compliance had been filed, which led to the formal notice and the call for immediate corrective action.
Adherence to permitting laws is not just about bureaucracy but also public safety. Permits ensure that businesses and structures comply with critical electrical, structural, and fire safety regulations. Operating without such approval can create potential risks for both the business and the community.
The Notice of Violation states that the property will require an inspection by county staff to verify compliance or identify additional violations. While no official deadline has been announced for corrective action, inspections of properties linked to prominent officials are often expedited to ensure transparency and public confidence.
The case surrounding Red Barn Hay & Feed has reignited concerns among Josephine County residents about transparency, accountability, and equal enforcement of local laws. For many, the incident serves as a test of whether the county will apply its regulations fairly, regardless of a property owner’s political standing.
Residents have pointed out the irony of a County Commissioner’s property allegedly violating the very regulations his administration oversees. “This raises some serious concerns about equal treatment under the law,” said one local resident who wished to remain anonymous. “If this were anyone else, the county would already be knocking on their door with fines, or worse.”
All attention remains on 670 Hunt Lane as the investigation continues, with many in the community watching closely to see how the matter is resolved. The outcome will likely influence public confidence in the enforcement of county laws and the integrity of those responsible for upholding them.
