§ 150.329 WATER QUALITY TRANSITION ZONE.

   (A)   A water quality transition zone shall be established parallel to all critical water quality zones, and shall extend from the outer boundaries of the critical water quality zone for 300 feet along major waterways, 200 feet along intermediate waterways, and 100 feet along minor waterways.

   (B)   The water quality transition zone shall remain free of all construction activity, development and alterations except that the following may be permitted:

      (1)   Utilities as provided by § 150.328(D) and § 150.329(E).

      (2)   Fences that do not obstruct flood flows.

      (3)   Public and private parks and open space, with development in the parks and open space limited to trails and outdoor facilities (other than stables and corrals for animals) for hiking, jogging, non motorized biking, and nature walks when a program of fertilizer, pesticide and herbicide use is approved by the city.

      (4)   Concrete private drives to allow access to property not otherwise accessible.

      (5)   Arterial, collector and residential street crossing provided no major waterways may be crossed.

      (6)   Minor drainage facilities and water quality controls, provided such facilities or controls are in compliance with the floodplain modification guidelines section of the City of Austin Environmental Criteria Manual, as amended, as if they were in the floodplain.

      (7)   Structures described in § 150.332(F) located on existing residential lots for which an administrative approval has been granted by the city pursuant to § 150.323(G), and development allowed by administrative approval or modified administrative approval pursuant to § 150.323(E).

   (C)   The minimum size of all lots within or partially within a water quality transition zone shall be at least one acre, exclusive of all land within a 25-year floodplain.

   (D)   No development shall occur within the water quality transition zone unless a variance, administrative approval, or modified administrative approval has been obtained pursuant to § 150.332(G) or § 150.323 and the property and improvements are in compliance with all other provisions of this Code.