It is hereby determined that the system of rivers, streams and other natural watercourses contributes to the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the City. The City of Galion therefore declares the preservation and conservation of these riparian corridors to be a public purpose.
It is the intent of the RCO District to:
(a) Reduce flood impacts by absorbing peak flows, slowing the velocity of flood waters, and regulating base flood flows, and
(b) Stabilize the banks of watercourses so as to reduce bank erosion, and
(c) Reduce pollutants in watercourses during periods of high flows by filtering, settling and transforming pollutants in runoff before they enter the watercourse, and
(d) Provide habitat for a wide range of wildlife by maintaining diverse and connected riparian vegetation, and
(e) Benefit the City economically by minimizing encroachment on watercourse channels and the need for costly engineering solutions to protect structures and property located adjacent to the watercourse.
The RCO District is an overlay zoning district. This means that the underlying district standards and requirements shall apply in addition to the following regulations and requirements. The RCO District may also be utilized over the FP (Flood Plain) District. In such cases, the property would be subject to the requirements and standards of both the RCO and FP Districts.
(Ord. 2009-85. Passed 12-8-09.)