My subdivision’s covenants/deed restrictions clearly state, “Only one (1) residential dwelling for a single family may be erected or maintained on each lot.” Yet a building permit was recently issued for a 3,536 square-foot unit, of which 50 percent is to become an in-law apartment.

Lewiston’s ordinance, Section 11, in-law apartment standards clearly states that an in-law apartment means “a small accessory apartment contained within a single-family dwelling which meets the standards of Section 11 of Article XII.”

I do not believe that the word “small” means 50 percent of a 3,536 square-foot unit that is slated to become two separate living quarters, each containing two and a half baths, three bedrooms, a large kitchen and a spacious living room.

Choosing to ignore the word “small” and deciding to go against the written words in the covenants/restrictions (that all owners here agreed to) can only result in changing the real intent and meaning of our documents which, again, clearly state only a single-family dwelling.

A typical in-law apartment has one bedroom with private bathroom and kitchen, as well as a living room.

I have handed a copy of all documentation to a Lewiston building inspector and the code enforcement director, to no avail.

The proposed construction is in violation of the covenants/deed restrictions and will be detrimental to property values. Why won’t city officials follow the rules?

I say enough is enough.

Gerry Grenier, Lewiston