Orange County OKs replacement vinyl seawall at Lake Sheen property

The Orange County Board of County Commissioners on Sept. 16 unanimously approved a shoreline alteration, dredge and fill permit to allow installation of a 132.5-foot replacement vinyl seawall at 9940 Lone Tree Lane on the north shore of Lake Sheen.

Environmental Programs Administrator Tim Hull presented the permit application (SADF2503009) for property owner Elliot Ferreira and told the board the current wooden seawall – authorized in February 2008 – is failing. Hull said the replacement wall will tie into neighboring seawalls, include a 6-foot return on the east property line and two 5-foot returns flanking an existing, grandfathered boat ramp. He said native plantings will be installed along most of the shoreline and riprap will be placed waterward of the wall except where stairs and the boat ramp require clear access.

"The original seawall was made out of wood. It was authorized in the year of February, and it is in poor condition and failing today," Hull said during his presentation.

A nearby resident, Frederico Hollander, spoke during public comment and opposed the use of riprap at the site. "I oppose riprap. It should be replaced with vegetative buffers," Hollander said, adding that a seven-foot vegetative buffer would be more environmentally friendly and less costly. Hull told the board he had received one written objection from Hollander prior to the hearing and had raised it during his staff presentation.

Board members moved to approve EPD's finding of consistency with Orange County Code Chapter 33, Article 4, section 33-1-29.d, and to grant permit SADF2503009 subject to conditions listed in the staff report. Commissioner Wilson moved approval; Commissioner Uribe seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

County staff noted the permit was reviewed under the code's shoreline alteration criteria and that property owners within 500 feet of the project were notified; one objection had been received as of the hearing.

The permit approval directs the applicant to meet the conditions in the staff report, including the planting and riprap requirements except where boat ramp or 30-foot access corridors prevent plantings. No additional studies or variances were announced during the hearing.

The county record for the case identifies the site as part of District 1; staff said they reviewed the application in accordance with the cited county code section and recommended approval with conditions.

Copies of the staff report and permit conditions are part of the county record.