5.7.5. STANDARDS FOR ENCROACHMENT

   A.   Standards

   The following standards are required as part of the mitigation plan, when applicable. They are also required for any allowed encroachment into critical riparian habitat areas . Encroachment that may be allowed is limited to utilities , roadway  improvements , walkways, or bike paths.

      1.   Roadway , bike path, and walkway improvements and utility encroachments into critical riparian habitat areas are limited and approved only if there are no other alternatives in the design of the project . Where allowed, roadway , bike path, and walkway improvements and utility encroachments shall cross critical riparian habitat areas and not run parallel to the critical riparian habitat .

      2.   Where roadway , bike path, and walkway improvements are allowed to encroach into critical riparian habitat areas , they are allowed only at the narrowest point of the critical riparian habitat . (See Figure 5.7-C.)

Figure 5.7-C: Riparian Crossing

      3.   All utilities in critical riparian habitat areas shall be located underground. Utilities shall be placed either along roadway , bike path, or walkway improvements or within approved easements. Water and sewer utility trenches must be set beneath the 100-year scour depth.

      4.   Any roadway , bike path, or walkway improvement that impedes the movement of wildlife shall be constructed in such a manner as to provide means for safe and accessible passage. Improvements or encroachments into critical riparian habitat areas shall be constructed to minimize disruption of vegetation and critical riparian habitat . Where culverts are used, they should be box culverts a minimum of six feet in height.

      5.   Where a roadway , walkway, or bike path improvement or utility encroachment occurs within the critical riparian habitat area , revegetation shall be required for any area disturbed because of such construction.

      6.   Revegetation should include plant material salvaged from the site .

      7.   Revegetation should recreate the critical riparian habitat through the planting of trees, shrubs, and seed mix native to the site and be equal to the predisturbance plant density , diversity, and volume on the net site .

      8.   A maintenance program is required for revegetated/restored or enhanced areas so that plant material is replaced as needed.

   B.   Temporary Fencing Required

   No grubbing, grading , or construction shall occur on a project site until areas designated to be retained in a natural state are temporarily fenced. All temporary fencing will be field inspected by PDSD before any construction on the site begins. Fencing shall be removed only on completion of construction.