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Board weighs whether replacing pre‑code bridges should trigger variances
Summary
Staff asked whether the county should require a variance when a bridge that existed before the drainage code is replaced; board members noted DNR permits were obtained in the past and agreed to seek input from absent staff before deciding.
During the surveyor's report the board discussed a specific case — the Indian Springs bridge — and whether replacing a bridge that pre-dates the county drainage code should require a variance.
Staff said the prior crossing existed before the drainage code and a new bridge was installed without going through a variance process because DNR permits had been obtained. "We didn't require them to get a variance because there was already a bridge existing," staff said. Members discussed whether the county should require a variance to create an official recorded exception when an older crossing is replaced, and noted risks if a bridge later begins to impede water flow.
Board members agreed to hold the question until Bruce (absent at the meeting) could provide input and to place the topic on a future agenda for further guidance.
