Board moves to limit flood plain building

Web posted September 20, 2000

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By Heidi Coryell
Staff Writer

One of two city ordinances is on its way to becoming more restrictive with the approval of Augusta commissioners.

Amendments to two local statutes - one concerning outdoor business signs and the other relating to flood prevention - went before officials for a first reading Tuesday at the Augusta Commission's full meeting.

Ordinance amendments must go through two readings to be adopted.

Commissioners tabled action on the sign ordinance, citing a lack of information provided in their agenda books. But they voted unanimously to approve more stringent guidelines concerning development in the flood plain.

Willie Mays: Mayor pro tem calls the flood amendment a "step in the right direction." JEFF JANOWSKI/STAFF

If the ordinance is approved during its second reading, builders would be prohibited from using dirt fill to elevate a structure above the 100-year flood plain, restricted from the mass clearing of trees in the lower fringe of the special flood hazard area and prevented from installing sewage disposal systems in the flood plain.

The changes aim to deter future development in flood-prone areas, but ordinance amendments are not retroactive.

``I don't expect to see any future development in the flood way or the lower fringe,'' said George Patty, executive director of the planning commission.

In addition to awarding preliminary approval to the planning commission's recommendations, commissioners approved a motion to review ordinances pertaining to subdivisions at a future commission meeting.

``This is a very good step in the right direction,'' Mayor Pro Tem Willie Mays said. ``We should keep in mind that this is something we're going to have to return to.''

In an unrelated matter, the commission failed to take action on matters surrounding access to walking paths around the raw water reservoir on Highland Avenue.

The recreation area has remained open under an interim status that is set to expire Oct. 1.

Reach Heidi Coryell at (706) 823-3215.

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