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Willow-Witt Ranch, co-owned by Jackson County commissioner candidate Lanita Witt, has been warned by the county that it might be in violation of regulations by holding weddings and other events without proper permits. The ranch, on Shale City Road near Dead Indian Memorial Road northeast of Ashland, received the warning Oct. 9 and has until Dec. 1 to come into compliance. “We didn’t know we needed permits to host weddings,” said Witt, who is running against Jackson County Commissioner Colleen Roberts in the Nov. 6 election. Witt said she suspected political motivation was behind the warning, although Roberts said she was unaware there was even an issue involving Witt's property. Witt said she would comply with whatever county officials ask of the ranch and has scheduled a meeting with a county planner Oct. 29 to find out what steps need to be taken to bring the ranch into compliance. “There’s no story there,” Witt said. But the ranch is taking the warning notice seriously. “We will make amends or whatever we need to do,” Witt said. “We’re not trying to pull the wool over anybody’s eyes.” No weddings have been held at the ranch since Witt became aware of the issue. If the ranch failed to comply, it could get a $1,000 fine for the first violation. According to county records, the ranch needs to provide an explanation and possible applications for the special events held on the property. Witt said the ranch has approval from the county for a campground on the property and has gone through other approvals to offer education in conservation and habitat restoration. According to Willow-Witt Ranch’s website, the wedding season begins in June and ends in late September. On the website, other events are offered, including reunions and retreats. The ranch caters to the growing interest in agritourism, which focuses on offering fresh vegetables and foods. Witt says wedding parties are required to get all necessary Oregon Liquor Control Commission permits to serve alcohol, but alcohol service must close at 10 p.m., though music and dancing can continue into the night. Various types of accommodations are available, including a farmhouse studio and camping facilities, as well as furnished wall tents — or guests can bring their own tents. Tent camping sites run $50 a night. A bathhouse and cook house are also available for guests, along with a farm store. The ranch, on 445 acres, is owned by Witt and Suzanne Willow. Roberts, who is running against Witt, said she knew nothing about the warning until Friday when she was informed by the Mail Tribune. “I don’t know anything about it,” she said. “I know very little about their operations.” Code enforcement issues are not routinely sent to commissioners, though they are notified about disputes that come before the county hearings officer, Roberts said. She pointed out that she opposed the county’s decision to raise the minimum fines against property owners with violations from $600 to $1,000 but was outvoted 2-1. “That’s huge to everyday, ordinary people,” Roberts said. Reach reporter Damian Mann at 541-776-4476 or [email protected]. Follow him on www.twitter.com/reporterdm.