(a) This regulation shall apply to all development areas that are within the jurisdiction of the City and that border designated watercourses and wetlands as defined in these regulations. This includes development areas having new or relocated projects involving highways, underground cables, pipelines, property subdivision/property/parcel splits, industrial projects, commercial projects, building activities on farms, redevelopment of urban areas and all other land uses not specifically exempted by this chapter.
(b) The purpose of this regulation is to establish technically feasible and economically reasonable stormwater management standards to achieve a level of stormwater quality and quantity control that will minimize damage to property and degradation of water resources and will promote and maintain the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the City of Warrensville Heights.
(c) The purpose of this regulation is to regulate uses and developments within riparian and wetland setbacks that would impair the ability of riparian and wetland areas to:
(1) Reduce flood impacts by absorbing peak flows, slowing the velocity of floodwaters, and regulating base flow.
(2) Stabilize the banks of streams to reduce bank erosion and the downstream transport of sediments eroded from stream banks.
(3) Reduce pollutants in streams during periods of high flows by filtering, settling, and transforming pollutants already present in streams.
(4) Reduce pollutants in streams by filtering, settling, transforming and absorbing pollutants in runoff before they enter streams.
(5) Provide areas for natural meandering and lateral movement of stream channels.
(6) Reduce the presence of aquatic nuisance species to maintain diverse and connected riparian vegetation.
(7) Provide high quality stream habitats with shade and food to a wide array of wildlife by maintaining diverse and connected riparian vegetation.
(8) Benefit the City economically by minimizing encroachment on wetlands and watercourse channels and the need for costly engineering solutions such as dams, retention basins, and rip rap to protect structures and reduce property damage and threats to the safety of residents; and by contributing to the quality of life of the residents of the City, and corresponding property values.
(9) Protect the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the City of Warrensville Heights.
(d) This regulation does not apply to activities regulated by, and in compliance with, the Ohio Agricultural Sediment Pollution Abatement Rules, strip mining operations regulated by Chapter 1513 of the Ohio Revised Code and surface mining operations regulated by Chapter 1514 of the Ohio Revised Code.
(Ord. 2007-140. Passed 9-18-07.)