(a) Stream bank erosion repair shall use the softest possible method appropriate for the stream characteristics. Use of hardscape materials or retaining walls within the banks of a stream shall be avoided. Stream bank erosion repairs shall be constructed in a manner consistent with the Santa Clara Valley Water Resources Protection Collaborative User Manual: Guidelines and Standards for Land Uses Near Streams (Revised July 2006), as amended from time to time.
(b) Exceptions to this requirement may be granted by the director of public works where the applicant provides an engineering report demonstrating that softer methods have been evaluated and found to be infeasible, that the proposed method will effectively reduce bank erosion, and that the proposed method will not cause erosion or negatively impact proper stream function in other areas. Any use of hardscape under this exception, will require the planting of appropriate native riparian vegetation onsite or at another suitable location to be approved by the director of public works in order to mitigate the impacts of the hardscape.
(Ord. 4932 § 4, 2007)