A neighbor on my street was…

A neighbor on my street was approved a CA permit with conditions for new development in the erosion/natural hazard. The property is zoned for residential development and located in a highly urbanized area.

However, the CA required the owners to enter into an indemnity agreement to release and indemnify all CA members (directors, officers, appointees, and employees). They required the owners to assume all liability (injury, damage, death, property loss or damages) including construction and long-term maintenance of their new house.

If conservation authorities are permitted to enter into such agreements, are they really protecting people and property from natural hazards? Or just saving themselves?

All properties located in highly urbanized areas should be exempt from requiring a CA permit, if new housing can be built safely according to professional opinions and expertise (e.g. geotechnical consultants, soil engineers, etc.) Unfortunately, CAs almost always disagree with these opinions to prevent setting a precedent. However, when forced to issue a permit (MZO or Exec Committee approval), they just indemnify themselves. Problem solved.