These standards are designed to regulate impervious surface cover in riparian areas in order to promote public health, safety and general welfare by protection of water quality through the control of non-point source pollution within riparian protection areas.
(A) Applicability. These standards shall apply to all development activity within the jurisdiction of this chapter which is located adjacent to a perennial or intermittent stream as depicted on the most recent version of the U.S. Geological Survey 1:24,000 (7.5 minute) map or U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil Survey map covering the area in question.
(B) Exemption. When a perennial or intermittent stream is shown on the most recent version of the U.S. Geological Survey 1:24,000 (7.5 minute) map or U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil Survey map covering the area in question, but no watercourse exists, the property owner or developer may seek administrative relief from the requirements this section by submitting site specific evidence that no watercourse exists.
(C) Buffer requirements. Riparian buffers shall be established and maintained according to the following specifications.
(1) Low-density development. When property adjacent to a regulated watercourse is developed with less than 24% impervious surface area, the following standards shall apply.
(a) Property adjacent to perennial streams. A 30-foot riparian buffer, as measured landward from the top of the stream bank shall be established. Within the first 15 feet of the top of the bank, no disturbance of the existing vegetation is allowed. The remaining width of the buffer area must remain free of impervious surfaces.
(b) Property adjacent to intermittent streams. A 20-foot riparian buffer, as measured landward from the top of the stream bank, shall be established. Within the first ten feet of the top of the bank, no disturbance of the existing vegetation is allowed. The remaining width of the buffer area must remain free of impervious surfaces.
(2) High density development. When property adjacent to a regulated watercourse is developed with greater than 24% impervious surface area the following standards shall apply.
(a) Property adjacent to perennial streams. A 50-foot riparian buffer, as measured landward from the top of the stream bank, shall be established. Within the first 30 feet of the top of the bank, no disturbance of the existing vegetation is allowed. The remaining width of the buffer area must remain free of impervious surfaces.
(b) Property adjacent to intermittent streams. A 30-foot riparian buffer, as measured landward from the top of the stream bank shall be established. Within the first 20 feet of the top of the bank, no disturbance of the existing vegetation is allowed. The remaining width of the buffer area must remain free of impervious surfaces.
(Ord. passed 3-5-2018) Penalty, see § 152.999