(A) Delineation report. Every applicant for a grading permit to allow wetland disturbing activities shall submit a wetland delineation report to the City Engineer. No grading permit to allow wetland disturbing activities shall be issued until approval of the wetland replacement plan application or a certificate of exemption has been obtained in strict conformance with the provisions of this chapter and the State Wetland Conservation Act being Minn. Rules 8420.0100 et seq. This chapter applies to all land, public or private, located within the city.
(B) Impacts. Utilization and development impacts to wetlands shall be consistent with the stormwater management policies of the city.
(C) Impacts to wetland.
(1) Concentrated runoff discharge into wetlands shall be consistent with the stormwater management policies of the city. All stormwater shall be treated for water quality improvements prior to discharge to a wetland.
(2) A protective buffer strip of natural vegetation of 30 feet in width from the delineated edge at the time of development shall surround all wetlands within areas developed or redeveloped after the effective date of this chapter. Grading or construction within this buffer is prohibited.
(3) A building setback of 30 feet shall exist from the delineated edge of all wetlands at the time of development within areas developed or redeveloped after the effective date of this chapter.
(4) Wetlands shall not be drained or filled, wholly or partially, unless replaced by restoring or creating wetland areas of at least equal public value in accordance with the State Wetland Conservation Act being Minn. Rules 8420.0100 et seq. Replacement shall be guided by the following principles in descending order of priority:
(a) Avoiding the direct or indirect impact of the activity that may destroy or diminish the wetland;
(b) Minimizing the impact by limiting the degree or magnitude of the wetland activity and its implementation;
(c) Rectifying the impact by repairing, rehabilitating or restoring the affected wetland environment;
(d) Reducing or eliminating the impact over time by preservation and maintenance operations during the life of the activity; and
(e) Compensating for the impact by replacing or providing approved substitute wetland resources or environments.
(Prior Code, § 11-16-5) (Ord. 258, passed 5-4-2006)