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Board denies waiver to use steel posts for riparian buffer markers
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Summary
A landowner asked to use lower‑cost steel posts instead of flexible fiberglass/Carsonite markers for required riparian buffer delineation; after discussion about safety, durability and precedent, the board voted the waiver down on a 3–2 vote.
A property owner asked the board for a waiver to replace the ordinance‑specified flexible fiberglass/Carsonite riparian buffer markers with steel sign posts for a three‑lot subdivision (McGahn Subdivision Lot 12). The request sought permission to install eight steel posts to mark the 50‑foot riparian buffer zone while construction occurs.
Tom Songer said the specialty Carsonite posts are expensive and difficult to source, and he asked the board to permit steel posts similar to standard roadside signposts. "I just am requesting that we be allowed to put in steel stakes," Songer said, noting steel is widely available and recyclable.
Staff and committee members noted the original committee that drafted the ordinance recommended flexible markers to reduce the risk of injury to people and animals and to allow delineators to spring back if struck by maintenance equipment. Opponents argued that approving steel posts as a de facto material change would set a precedent and could undermine the ordinance's safety intent.
After discussion, Supervisor 6 moved to allow steel riparian buffer markers for the McGahn lot (eight markers) and the motion was seconded. The board called the question and voted; the motion failed by a 2‑3 vote, leaving the ordinance requirement for fiberglass/Carsonite (or equivalent flexible material) in place for that request.
The denial was framed by several supervisors as a reluctance to set a precedent that would broadly alter the ordinance; others signaled willingness to consider narrower relief in other contexts but not a wholesale material substitution without further review.
