(a) It is hereby determined that the wetlands within the City of Parma Heights contribute to the health, safety, and general welfare of the residents of the City of Parma Heights. The specific purpose and intent of this regulation is to regulate uses and developments within wetland setbacks that would impair the ability of wetlands to:
(1) Minimize flood impacts by absorbing peak flows, slowing the velocity of flood waters, regulating stream base flows, and maintaining stream flow patterns.
(2) Minimize streambank erosion by reducing runoff volume and velocity.
(3) Protect groundwater quality by filtering pollutants from storm water runoff.
(4) Recharge groundwater reserves.
(5) Protect surface water quality by minimizing sediment pollution from streambank erosion, and filtering, settling, and transforming sediments, chemicals, salts, and other pollutants from flood waters and storm water runoff.
(6) Provide habitat to a wide array of aquatic and terrestrial wildlife.
(7) Benefit the City of Parma Heights economically by minimizing encroachment on wetlands and the need for costly engineering solutions such as retention/detention 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 City of Parma Heights, and thereby preserving the character of the City of Parma Heights, the quality of life of the residents of the City of Parma Heights, and corresponding property values.
(b) The following regulation has been enacted to protect these services of wetlands by providing reasonable controls governing structures and uses within wetland setbacks around Ohio EPA Category 2 and 3 wetlands in the City of Parma Heights.
Due to the importance of properly functioning wetlands, minimum wetland setbacks may be given preference over minimum front, side, or rear yard setbacks as specified in this chapter in the consideration of an appeal for a variance by the Board of Zoning Appeals.
(Ord. 2023-80. Passed 1-8-24.)