(a) It is hereby determined that the system of wetlands, riparian areas, rivers, streams, and other natural watercourses within the community contributes to the health, safety, and general welfare of the residents. The specific purpose and intent of this part of these regulations is to regulate future uses and developments within riparian and wetland setbacks that would impair the ability of riparian and wetland areas to:
(1) Reduce flood impacts by absorbing peak flows, slowing the velocity of floodwaters, and regulating base flow.
(2) Assist in stabilizing the banks of watercourses to reduce bank erosion and the downstream transport of sediments eroded from watercourse banks.
(3) Reduce pollutants in watercourses during periods of high flows by filtering, settling, and transforming pollutants already present in watercourses.
(4) Reduce pollutants in watercourses by filtering, settling, and transforming pollutants in runoff before they enter watercourses.
(5) Protect groundwater quality by filtering pollutants from storm water runoff.
(6) Recharge groundwater reserves.
(7) Provide watercourse habitats with shade and food.
(8) Provide habitat to a wide array of aquatic organisms and wildlife by maintaining diverse and connected riparian and wetland vegetation.
(b) The following regulations have been enacted to protect these services of riparian and wetland areas by providing reasonable controls governing the construction or expansion of structures and changes to the uses within a wetland and/or riparian setback along designated watercourses and/or wetlands in the City.
(c) Applicability and Compliance:
(1) These regulations shall apply to all lands that are within the jurisdiction of the City and that border designated watercourses and wetlands as defined in these regulations.
(2) The City shall issue no approvals or permits without full compliance with the terms of these regulations.
(d) Violation: Any person who violates any section of these regulations shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree and, upon conviction thereof, shall be subject to punishment as provided in Section 937.99, and shall be required to restore the riparian and/or wetland setback through a restoration plan approved by the City.
(Ord. 22-23. Passed 3-16-22.)