Haugen has extended the length of his contract to North Park and says he will continue extending it until the city gives in. "As long as this war is going on, we don't care," he said.

In response to the complaints and lawsuit, Farmington Mayor Scott Harbertson said Monday that he believes the city was within its rights to deny the request. The City Council just did not agree with the idea of having twin homes on the property, he said.

"I don't think what they're saying is legitimate," he said. "We have an obligation to take a look at the developments and zoning throughout the city, and what they were proposing was not consistent with the overall general plan. That was the reason it was denied."

Harbertson said that he wished the city could have resolved something with Haugen and North Park before they filed a lawsuit but added that "they have chosen to go this route."

For now, the two groups are at a standstill. Harbertson said that Haugen continues to work with the City Council, but "there's a little stress."

Haugen has recused himself from the council each time his property has come up for debate.

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E-mail: nwarburton@desnews.com