It is hereby determined that the system of streams and wetlands within Middleburg Heights contributes to the health, safety and general welfare of its residents. The purpose of this Riparian and Wetland Setback Ordinance is to assist in the preservation of water quality within the streams of Middleburg Heights and to help protect residents of the City from property loss or damage because of flooding or other impacts of the stream. This ordinance will further the following objectives:
(a) Protect the receiving stream's physical, chemical, and biological characteristics and to maintain stream functions.
(b) Reduce flood impacts by absorbing peak flows, slowing the velocity of floodwaters, and regulating base flow.
(c) Assist in stabilizing the banks of streams and wetlands to reduce bank erosion and the downstream transport of sediments eroded from stream and wetland banks.
(d) Reduce pollutants in streams and wetlands by filtering, settling, transforming and absorbing pollutants in runoff before they enter streams and wetlands.
(e) Prevent unnecessary stripping of vegetation and loss of soil, especially adjacent to water resources and wetlands.
(f) Benefit Middleburg Heights economically by minimizing encroachment on stream channels and reducing the need for costly maintenance and repairs to roads, embankments, sewage systems, ditches, water resources, wetlands, and storm water management practices that are the result of inadequate storm water control due to the loss of riparian areas and wetlands.
(g) Protect and maintain the native vegetation of riparian and wetland areas by implementing specifications for the establishment, protection and maintenance of vegetation along streams and wetlands within Middleburg Heights jurisdiction.
(Ord. 2008-19. Passed 2-26-08.)