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Board reviews variance request to lower flood-elevation requirement for perimeter fence in AO2 area
Summary
Planning and flood-control staff described a variance request to allow a perimeter fence to be set to a 1-foot base flow depth (rather than the mapped 2-foot regulatory depth) based on recent Wilcox flow data showing shallower flows; staff proposed conditions requiring regular debris removal to keep the fence openings clear.
County flood-control staff explained to the Board of Supervisors that the variance seeks to allow a proposed 8-foot solid perimeter fence to be set to an effective flow depth of 1 foot in an AO2-mapped area, rather than elevating the fence to the regulatory depth (2-foot base flow plus 1-foot freeboard) normally required for habitable structures.
The staff presentation noted that the purpose of elevating structures is to protect habitable buildings, but this structure is a fence and not a dwelling. Staff cited newly received Wilcox study data indicating flow depths between 0.5 foot and 1 foot in the relevant location and recommended allowing the lower elevation with a condition that the property owner periodically inspect and remove debris so the flow path is maintained.
Chair and planning staff described the fence as a neighbor-driven compromise intended to reduce dust from a welding laydown yard; planning recommended the variance contingent on maintenance to prevent blockage of the flow channel.
The board discussed the proposal during the agenda overview but did not record a formal motion or vote in the work session transcript; planning staff said the condition would require the property owner to maintain the fence opening if the variance is granted.
