yep, unelected "officials"... the planning and zoning departments have already implemented the "laws" on a local level - if you see anything about "sustainable development" on their website then they have already taken over.  Try and develop or split a piece of property and see what they have to say!    Research ICLEI, this is straight from the UN and many, many local cities have used their guidelines - it is disgusting, there is no freedom anymore.  They dictate what you can and can't do with your own property while forcing you to pay exorbitant property taxes each year or risk them taking your land.  I am a land surveyor and unfortunately have to deal with this crap all the time :/