As Pasco's community development director, I'm writing to dispel two of the common myths about annexation of the "doughnut hole" in Pasco.

Myth: Farm animals are not allowed in the city.

Fact: The city's zoning rules for farm animals are identical to Franklin County, so farm animals are, in fact, allowed in the city under the same conditions as allowed by Franklin County (the city does cap the number of fowl and rabbits at 40).

Myth: If my property has nonconforming status, a subsequent owner cannot continue the status.

Fact: Any nonconforming activity lawfully existing at the time of annexation is permitted to continue and can, in fact, be continued by the subsequent owners.

One can easily check these facts by contacting either the city (545-3441) or county (545-3521) planning offices.

RICK WHITE, Pasco