Board grants preliminary concurrence on Little Eagle Creek variance; members raise freeboard concerns

The Hamilton County Drainage Board on July 14, 2025 granted preliminary concurrence for a variance from ordinance number 9 26 16 a for work affecting the Little Eagle Creek regulated flood line, but members pressed staff to investigate freeboard and fill stability on residential lots.

A surveyor’s office presenter introduced the project on Southwest 193rd Street and requested preliminary concurrence so the request could go to a third‑party reviewer before returning to the board for final approval. The presenter said that if preliminary concurrence is granted, the office will submit the matter to the third‑party reviewer and then bring it back to the board for final action.

Board members noted the county’s current freeboard requirement of 2 feet and expressed concern that houses built with fill near the flood line could be unstable during abnormal storms. One member suggested the board should consider requiring a higher freeboard when fill is involved and asked staff to have their third‑party reviewer specifically examine those concerns and report back at the next meeting.

Staff recommended sending the variance to the third‑party reviewer the board normally uses; a motion for preliminary concurrence was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote. The board asked that any reply from the reviewer include an assessment of stability and whether the variance would be warranted given residential risks.