(A) Wetland application. Every applicant for a grading permit to allow wetland disturbing activities must submit a report to the Zoning Administer and 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 title and the Minnesota wetland conservation act. This section applies to all land, public or private, located within the city.
(B) Impacts to wetland.
(1) Protective buffer. A protective buffer of natural vegetation shall surround all wetlands within areas developed or redeveloped after June 7, 2011, in accordance with the following provisions:
(a) Minimum width. The buffer shall have a minimum width of 25 feet from the delineated edge of the wetland at the time of development.
(b) Average width. The width of the buffer may be averaged provided that a minimum buffer width of 15 feet is maintained.
(c) Public trails and sidewalks. Public trails and sidewalks that are a maximum of 10 feet in width can be included within the buffer provided the minimum width is maintained.
(d) Conservation easement. The wetland and required buffer may be platted as an outlot if established as part of a subdivision application and deeded to the city. If the wetland and required wetland buffer is not platted as an outlot, all subdivision applications as well as all other applications, shall require dedication and recording with the County Recorders office a conservation easement in favor of the city over the wetland and required wetland buffer.
(e) Exception. Property owned by the City of Center City shall be exempt from establishing an outlot or conservation easement for required buffer areas.
(2) Building setback.
(a) For properties developed or redeveloped after June 7, 2011, a building setback of 10 feet for a side yard and 20 feet for a rear yard shall be provided from the delineated edge of all required wetland buffers at the time of development.
(Ord. 2011-06-07A, passed 6-7-2011)