(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Division or any other County Ordinance, an emergency watercourse grading permit may be granted solely for the removal of silt, sand and debris from a watercourse, upon a finding that an emergency exists on public or private property. The permit may be granted by the County Official for the removal of up to 10,000 cubic yards of silt, sand and debris, or by the Board of Supervisors for amounts in excess of 10,000 cubic yards. For purposes of this section, "Emergency" means a sudden, unexpected occurrence, involving a clear and imminent danger, demanding immediate action to prevent or mitigate loss of or damage to life, health, property, or essential public services. "Emergency" includes such occurrences as fire, flood, earthquake, or other soil or geologic movements, as well as such occurrences as riot, accident, or sabotage, (see Section 15025, Title 14 of the California Administrative Code) or projects undertaken, carried out, or approved by a public agency to maintain, repair, restore, demolish or replace property or facilities damaged or destroyed as a result of a disaster in a disaster stricken area in which a state of emergency has been proclaimed pursuant to Chapter 7 of Division 1, Title 2 of the Government Code (see Section 15071, Title 14 of the California Administrative Code).
(b) The emergency watercourse grading permit shall be granted for such periods of time as the County Official or Board shall deem to be reasonable and necessary or advisable under the circumstances, and upon such conditions as the County Official or Board deems necessary to insure the health, safety and welfare of the affected persons or the protection of the affected properties, and to assure that the work shown is in accordance with County Plans and Specifications. Such permit shall be granted to the owner of the property or the authorized agent of the owner.
(Added by Ord. No. 9547 (N.S.), effective 5-9-03; amended by Ord. No. 9634 (N.S.), effective 4-23-04)