It is hereby determined that:
(A) Land development projects and associated increases in impervious cover alter the hydrologic response of local watersheds and could increase stormwater runoff rates and volumes, flooding, stream channel erosion, and sediment transport and deposits. This stormwater runoff contributes to increased quantities of water-borne pollutants, stormwater runoff, soil erosion and non-point source pollution can be controlled and minimized through the regulation of stormwater runoff from development sites. Buffers adjacent to stream systems provide numerous environmental protection and resource management benefits which can include restoring and maintaining the chemical, physical and biological integrity of the water resources; removing pollutants delivered in urban storm, water; reducing erosion and controlling sedimentation; stabilizing stream banks; providing infiltration of stormwater runoff; maintaining base flow of streams; contributing the organic matter that is a source of food and energy for the aquatic ecosystem; providing tree canopy to shade streams and promote desirable aquatic organisms; providing riparian wildlife habitat; and furnishing scenic value and recreational opportunity.
(B) Therefore, the city establishes this set of water quality and quantity policies applicable to all surface waters to provide reasonable guidance for the regulation of stormwater runoff for the purpose of protecting local water resources from degradation and to protect and maintain the native vegetation in riparian and wetland areas. It is determined that the regulation of stormwater runoff discharges from land development projects and other construction activities in order to control and minimize increases in stormwater runoff rates and volumes, soil erosion, stream channel erosion, and non-point source pollution associated with stormwater runoff is in the public interest and will prevent threats to public health and safety.
(Ord. 2005-108, § 1.1, passed 12-20-05)