The standards contained in this subchapter govern the use and alteration of land within a specified distance of, rivers, creeks and contiguous wetlands and other riparian features in the township, in order to accomplish the following objectives:
(A) Implement the water quality protection, environmental protection and rural character protection goals and policies of the township's master plan.
(B) Achieve the township's resource protection and community character goals in a manner that is reasonable and sensitive to local conditions and concerns of property owners.
(C) Protect water quality and habitat quality in the, rivers, creeks, and their contiguous wetlands and other riparian features in the township, and thereby protect the public health, safety and general welfare, by encouraging filtering of storm water runoff through natural vegetative buffers along stream corridors, and by encouraging and protecting vegetative cover along stream banks to shade the stream, thereby maintaining lower water temperatures and high-quality stream habitat.
(D) Maintain the integrity and stability of stream banks and protect stream banks against erosion, by providing for effective vegetative buffers adjacent to stream corridors, and by prohibiting excavation and building activities within a specified distance from stream banks and the contiguous to streams wetlands.
(E) Protect the natural character and appearance of streams, stream corridors and their contiguous wetlands, which contribute to the valued natural character of the community, its quality of life and its property values.
(F) Permit and encourage property owners to enhance native vegetation along riparian corridors in the township.
(Ord. passed - -2007)