(A) A riparian buffer for a stream shall consist of a forested strip of land extending along both sides of the stream and its adjacent wetlands or steep slopes. The riparian buffer width shall be adjusted to include contiguous sensitive areas, such as steep slopes and wetlands, where development or disturbance may adversely affect water quality, streams, wetlands or other waterbodies.
(B) The riparian buffer shall begin at the edge of the stream bank of the active channel.
(C) The riparian buffer shall be composed of two distinct zones, with each zone having its own set of permitted and restricted uses.
(D) Zone 1-Streamside Zone:
(1) Protects the physical and ecological integrity of the stream ecosystem;
(2) Begins at the edge of the stream bank of the active channel and extends 25 feet from the top of the bank plus any additional buffer width as specified in this section;
(3) Allowable uses within this zone are highly restricted to:
(a) Flood control structures;
(b) Utility rights-of-way;
(c) Footpaths; and
(d) Road crossings, where permitted.
(4) Streamside zone contains undisturbed natural vegetation.
(E) Zone 2-Outer Zone.
(1) Protects key components of the stream and provides distance between upland development and the streamside zone;
(2) Begins at the outer edge of the streamside zone and extends 25 feet;
(3) Allowable uses within the outer zone are restricted to:
(a) Biking or hiking paths;
(b) Stormwater management facilities, with the approval of the borough;
(c) Recreational uses as approved by borough; and
(d) Removal of mature tree cover.
(1980 Code, Ch. 24, Part 5, § 501) (Ord. 1403, passed 7-18-2011, § 501)