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County approves 0-foot setback adjacent to Army Corps property subject to survey
Summary
Commissioners approved a major S-1 revision reducing a 20-foot setback to 0 feet adjacent to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers property for a parcel (Tax Map 1 Parcel 2), with a condition that the applicant provide a foundation survey before vertical construction to ensure no encroachment onto Corps property.
The Columbia County Board of Commissioners approved a major S-1 revision on July 1, 2025, allowing reduced setbacks and removal of buffers for a parcel that shares a boundary with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers property (Tax Map 1 Parcel 2).
Planning staff said the applicant requested reducing the setback adjacent to Corps property from 20 feet to 0 feet to place buildings closer to the lake and that any building closer than 5 feet to the property line will require fire-rating under the International Building Code—a requirement staff noted is not a county code issue but a building-code requirement.
Staff added they will require the applicant to provide a survey of the foundation prior to sign-off on vertical construction to ensure no encroachment onto Corps property. “The Corps, as long as we don't cross their line they're okay,” staff said.
Commissioners moved, seconded and approved the S-1 revision by voice vote, subject to conditions enumerated in the 06/19/2025 planning commission report.
Why it matters: The change allows buildings to be placed immediately adjacent to federal Corps land, which may affect sightlines and construction requirements and requires verification to avoid encroachment on federal property.
Ending: The board approved the revision with a condition requiring a foundation survey before vertical construction; staff will inspect compliance and confirm no encroachment onto Corps property.
