Lars Larson: Nanny state goes too far

Nanny state goes too far
Monday, May 07, 2007 by Lars Larson

This is taking the Nanny State a whole bunch too far!

You know I heard about the proposal last week from Beaverton. The proposal is to bring the Nanny State, literally, into your own house. It begins in Beaverton where they’ve came up with a seventeen page ordinance that establishes minimum requirements for homes.

Now, that sounds like something that’s warm and fuzzy. The problem is Beaverton has decided to set those minimum standards for foundations, exterior walls, hand rails, doors, and bathrooms. They set the amount of water that has to be able to come out of your water heater within 10 minutes. They set the minimum number of square feet of your kitchen, your dining room and your living room. This is the Nanny State come to your house.

It makes no sense. If people choose to live in a very small house, Tina and I bought a first house that was only 700 square feet. That should be their choice. It should not be the job of the Nanny State to dictate how big your house is or any of those other standards. It should be the market place and the buyer.

For more of Lars Larson commentary go to Lars Larson.com