Martin County growth management says site meets pre-permit erosion-control and tree-count requirements

Francisco Hernandez, a staff member with the Martin County Growth Management Department, said during an on-site pre-permit inspection that sediment controls and required tree plantings are in place and that the property passes inspection.

Hernandez said the site’s silt fence must be entrenched a minimum of 4 inches and orange safety fencing must be at least 4 feet high to keep contractors and the public clear of protected areas. "Let's everybody know, hey, stay clear, don't go past here," he said, describing the fencing's purpose.

The inspection included a tree-count check required before the department will issue a certificate of occupancy. Hernandez identified individual trees on the property — including a Colusa, a green buttonwood, multiple pines and oaks — and said the site exceeded the department's minimum. At one point he summarized the status: "This goes above and beyond the tree count requirement... this property here passes inspections with flying colors," and said the site should be able to obtain its certificate of occupancy "in no time."

Hernandez described the orange fencing and silt fence as sediment controls intended to prevent debris, soil and other material from entering a nearby preserve area Martin County seeks to protect. He counted trees during the inspection and said the property met and exceeded the department's required number prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy.

No formal motions or votes were recorded in the transcript; the record is an on-site inspection and advisory findings from county growth management staff. The inspection findings as stated by Hernandez are procedural conditions the county enforces before releasing permits and issuing a certificate of occupancy.