(a) It is hereby determined that the system of rivers, streams, and other natural watercourses within the community contributes to the health, safety, and general welfare of the residents of the community. The specific purpose and intent of these regulations is to regulate uses and developments within riparian setbacks that would impair the ability of riparian areas to:
(1) Reduce flood impacts by absorbing peak flows, slowing the velocity of flood waters, and regulating base flow.
(2) Stabilize 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, transforming and absorbing pollutants in runoff before they enter watercourses.
(5) Provide watercourse habitats with shade and food.
(6) Provide habitat to a wide array of wildlife by maintaining diverse and connected riparian vegetation.
(7) Benefit the community economically by minimizing encroachment on watercourse channels and the need for costly engineering solutions such as dams, retention basins, and rip rap to protect structures and reduce property damage and threats to the safety of watershed residents; and by contributing to the scenic beauty and environment of the community, and thereby preserving the character of the community, the quality of life of the residents of the community, and corresponding property values.
(b) The following regulations have been enacted to protect these services of riparian areas by providing reasonable controls governing structures and uses in riparian setbacks.
(Ord. 128-02. Passed 12-29-03.)