During a recent government meeting, officials discussed a significant code change in Chapter 81 concerning bulkhead heights, specifically for Fire Island. The new regulation sets the maximum bulkhead height at 6 feet above mean high water, a decision aimed at enhancing community safety amid changing weather patterns.

The discussion highlighted past challenges where requests for higher bulkheads, based on engineering reports, were frequently denied. The board acknowledged that these denials often led to complications, prompting the need for clearer guidelines. The revised code aims to streamline the approval process by providing engineers with an appendix of documents to assist in making consistent decisions.

Supervisor Michelle emphasized the importance of this change, noting that the increased height is a proactive measure to protect the Fire Island community from the impacts of severe weather. The meeting concluded with a recognition that some adjustments may be necessary for adjoining bulkheads to align with the new standards, indicating a collaborative effort to ensure community resilience.