Lancaster County Wetlands Board directs show-cause letters after drone finds two unpermitted piers

Lancaster County Wetlands Board staff told the board they had documented two apparently unpermitted structures during a May 1, 2026 drone inspection and requested direction to notify the property owner.

The staff presentation described sworn complaints for two sites: tax map 36-34 (Cedar Island) and tax map 36B-1-1 (across the channel). The complaint language read on the record stated: "I have personally inspected the site on May 1st, 2026 via drone and noted the following unauthorized activity: an unpermitted and unauthorized pier over an existing wetland." Staff asked the board to direct them to mail a show-cause letter to the property owner so the owner may appear at the next meeting and present evidence whether the structures were permitted.

A board member moved that Miss Hall (staff) draft and send a show-cause letter on behalf of the Lancaster County Wetlands Board to the owner of both parcels; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote. Staff said the letters will request the owner attend the next meeting for review of the violation and to present any evidence of permit authority.

What happens next: Staff will mail the show-cause letters to the owner of the parcels and schedule the matter for board review at the next meeting; the board will consider evidence at that hearing and proceed in accordance with the statutes and board rules.