Public input on flood plain development: isn't it your right?

If your neighbor wanted to develop his property in a way that could increase the likelihood of a flood on your property, wouldn't you want to be informed about it? In the actual case of Mr. Johnson, he wished he had been.

Mr. Johnson purchased a beautiful home inches above the flood plain on the Applegate River. (Flood plains are areas near streams known to regularly flood in times of high water.) Years later his neighbor submitted an application to build a private bridge across the river just downstream. The county chose to process the bridge application as "Type 1," which provides neighbors with no notice or opportunity to comment on the application or appeal the decision. The county approved the application despite knowing the bridge could raise the floodwaters up to one foot on Johnson's property (This is actually allowed in the code.)