Please Check before site development, grading, or any earthwork - call City Hall

PRESS RELEASE

Lakeside is a region with biological and natural resources and many areas of the city fall under the jurisdiction of State and Federal requirements.  FEMA’s flood plain/way mapping identifies regions that are susceptible to flooding in 10-year and 100-year storm events.  These areas known for flooding require special permit considerations from the local, state and federal government as some areas also have wetlands and riparian zones which are protected by State and Federal regulations as well.  There are numerous lots in the city zoned as recreational residential which are in floodways, containing wetlands and the city is subject to strict penalties if these develop without a permit.  One such potential penalty for the city is the possibility of property owners in city limits losing the ability to obtain National Flood Insurance which is sold at a discounted rate.

For these reasons, it is extremely important to spread the word to all residents of Lakeside that any grading, earthwork or site development activities in the City of Lakeside require a city permit.

There has recently been a wave of property owners excavating within flood ways and wetlands without any regulatory approval.  When these activities are observed by the City, they are immediately reported to State and Federal agencies who then require the city to invoke our enforcement policies to stop the work and require the owner to obtain any necessary permits.  In many cases, the level of effort to obtain State or Federal approval is extensive and can range from hiring a biologist to evaluate the wetland, and/or hiring an engineer to certify that any work in the floodway will not increase future flooding capacities to the detriment of others termed a “zero rise” permit.  In the event of future flooding, those unpermitted properties are also subject to civil liability from adjacent property owners if there is flood damage because of building in a flood zone without a permit.

Disturbing or removing an area mapped as a wetland is subject to its own state and federal protections under the Endangered Species act and numerous other protections for wildlife habitat.

Any contractor performing work in a flood zone or wetland without proper permits is also subject to the same fines and penalties, also subject to being reported to the State Contractors licensing board.  City penalties for violations are subject to up to $750/day.

Please review the City of Lakeside website for FEMA flood map information and wetland determination and any work on private property that involves grading, earthwork or site development requires a city permit.  Please contact City Hall before conducting such measures however recognizing that Lakeside staff resources are limited and allow for ample time to assist in obtaining the pertinent permit information.