1157.02 WETLAND SETBACKS.
(a) Purpose. The purpose of this Section 1157.02 and related Sections of this Chapter is to establish controls to protect and promote the public health, safety and welfare by regulating the use of the areas surrounding wetlands. It is anticipated that these regulations, administered in concert with other regulations affecting development practices throughout the City, will benefit properties which are within, or which contain parts of, wetlands, will benefit the City as a whole, and will benefit areas outside of the City which are affected by impacts on the City's wetlands. More specifically, these regulations are intended to:
(1) Preserve the flood control, water quality, and runoff stabilization functions of wetlands;
(2) Preserve the wildlife habitat and plant association functions of wetlands;
(3) Permit use of land surrounding wetlands in a manner consistent with these regulations.
(4) Reduce or prevent construction of buildings and other improvements in wetland setbacks that may be characterized by conditions such as high groundwater, flooding, erosion, and soil limitations, which prohibit normal construction practices and require special protective measures for construction and long-term maintenance.
(5) Minimize the creation of lots which are in whole or part difficult or impractical for the establishment of permitted uses within the respective districts due to the presence of wetlands.
(6) Enable the City to more effectively execute its responsibilities in administration and enforcement of applicable federal and state regulations.
(7) Protect surface water and groundwater quality by filtering pollutants from stormwater runoff.
(8) Promote the recharge of natural groundwater resources.
(c) Establishment of Wetland Areas and Wetland Setbacks.
(1) The following areas are wetland areas:
A. All wetlands ranked by an appropriate wetland evaluation methodology accepted and approved by Ohio EPA as Ohio EPA Category 2 Wetlands.
B. All wetlands ranked by an appropriate wetland evaluation methodology accepted and approved by Ohio EPA as Ohio EPA Category 3 Wetlands.
(2) The following are wetland setbacks:
A. Areas located within seventy-five (75) feet of an Ohio EPA Category 2 Wetlands.
B. Areas located within one hundred twenty (120) feet of an Ohio EPA Category 3 Wetlands.
(Ord. 2013-130. Passed 1-27-14.)