As El Niño conditions strengthen, Ventura County officials will waive permit fees and deposits for private property owners to work in a creek or river bed in preparation for winter storms.
The costs typically include a $505 fee and $2,000 deposit to cover engineering and other reviews, officials said. This was the second time in a matter of months those fees were waived.
Officials agreed to do so for local residents who needed emergency repairs after severe downpours in late December and early January. Flows eroded banks in multiple spots, including areas along Sespe Creek outside of Fillmore and the Santa Clara River. At least one home was deemed unsafe to live in, officials said.
"Why we're here today is in a proactive approach to assist private
property owners," Gregg Strakaluse, the county's public works director, said during a Board of Supervisors meeting in September.
The Ventura County Watershed Protection District, part of public works, is one of multiple agencies charged with regulating activities within the hundreds of local waterways. Most are privately owned, officials said.
Several residents had already contacted the county agency about possible permits to help protect flood-prone spots, officials said. Work may include bank repairs, installing berms and clearing vegetation.
County supervisors voted unanimously to approve the waivers, expected to remain in place through Dec. 31.
Supervisor Matt LaVere said the issues have been discussed over the past few months, calling the fee waivers a countywide policy but one that could affect specific neighborhoods in his district. LaVere represents District 1, based largely in and around Ventura and Ojai.
He described the county as stepping up to try to encourage homeowners to prepare.
"We want to be their partner in that," he said.
What does El Niño mean for Ventura County?
Last month, Gov. Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency to mobilize state resources ahead of potential storms. An El Niño continues to strengthen, with a very strong – possibly historic – event likely on the way this winter.
The warmer waters near the equator can mean a wet winter in Southern California. It doesn't guarantee more storms, but a stronger pattern generally tilts the odds, experts say. That may mean more storms and above-normal rainfall in the region but also high ocean waves that can cause damage along the coast.
While some local residents may face potential damage from rising creeks, many others may have more routine maintenance needs. If unaddressed, issues like rainfall overwhelming a small or clogged drain could lead to water damage, county officials said.
The Ventura County Sheriff's Office of Emergency Services urged people to visit ready.venturacounty.gov to find information, from how to develop an emergency kit to where to get more specific tips on winter weather. To sign up for emergency alerts in Ventura County, go to readyventuracounty.org/vc-alert.
Cheri Carlson covers the environment and county government for the Ventura County Star. Reach her at cheri.carlson@vcstar.com.
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: As El Niño strengthens, Ventura County will waive these fees
