Legislative Committee: Questions about Silt Fence Inspections
A brief synopsis of how a request for a silt fence inspection works:
Anyone doing building or remodeling on a property located within 1,000 feet of the waterway must obtain a Racine County shoreland contract. The county decides where the silt fence is required. Racine County sends a copy of the name and address of the owner, along with a drawing showing the required silt fence location, to WWMD Commissioner Richard Kosut.
There are no routine, or automatic inspections of the silt fences; the inspections are requested as a result of a complaint. The information about the silt fence is used as a comparison when complaints, or concerns, are received that the silt fence is not present or damaged. When Kosut receives a complaint, by either the county or by individuals from the area, he will investigate the complaint. If it is determined there is a problem with the silt fence, Kosut will attempt to contact the contractor or the owner and request that the damaged or missing silt fence is repaired. Whenever possible, photos will be taken of the situation.
If it is not corrected within a reasonable time frame Kosut notifies the county to perform an assessment to determine if it is necessary to notify the owner that they have “10 days” to correct the problem prior to a citation being issued.