This Section provides regulations to promote healthy and abundant riparian habitats that protect watersheds; control transmission and storage of natural water supplies; provide unique wildlife habitats for rare, endangered and threatened plants and animals; provide attractive environments; control natural soil erosion and sedimentation to protect stream banks subject to erosion and undercutting; and provide sufficient shade to reduce temperature and evaporation and the growth of algae in streams. The provisions of this Section are intended to augment and coordinate with the responsibilities of the California Department of Fish and Game.
(a) Applicability.
(1) Applicable Areas. The provisions of this Section shall apply to all riparian areas located on private land in all zones within the unincorporated areas of the County and to riparian areas on public land owned by the County, unless exempt as specified by § 88.01.030 (Exempt Activities) and by Subdivision (2) (Exemptions), below.
(2) Exemptions. The provisions of this Section shall not apply to:
(A) Emergency Flood Control District operations or water conservation measures established and authorized by an appropriate independent Special District.
(B) An area that has an existing man-made impervious structure, which is greater than 120 square feet in roof area, between the area proposed to be disturbed by a development permit and the bank of a subject stream, as measured in a straight line perpendicular to the centerline of the stream.
(b) Regulated Riparian Plants.
(1) Vegetation Described. The removal of vegetation within 200 feet of the bank of a stream, or in an area indicated as a protected riparian area on an overlay map or Specific Plan, shall require approval of a Tree or Plant Removal Permit in compliance with § 88.01.050 (Tree or Plant Removal Permits) and shall be subject to environmental review.
(2) Streams. For the purposes of this Section, streams include those shown on United States Geological Survey Quadrangle topographic maps as perennial or intermittent, blue or brown lines (solid or dashed), and river wash areas.
(c) Preconstruction Inspections. Preconstruction inspections shall include the verification of the presence of riparian vegetation.
(d) Conditions of Approval. Conditions of approval for removal of riparian vegetation may be imposed in addition to, and in combination with, any condition imposed in compliance with § 88.01.050 (Tree or Plant Removal Permits).
(Ord. 4011, passed - -2007; Am. Ord. 4057, passed - - 2008)