Laserfiche WebLink
PC Case # <br /> <br />REVIEW AND DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED WETLAND BUFFER ORDINANCE <br />By: Sylvia Frolik, Asst. Com. Dev. Dir./HRA Exee. Dir. <br /> Loren Gordon, Hoisington Koegler Group, Inc. <br /> <br />Background: <br /> <br />As you know, the Environmental Policy Task Force was created for the purpose of addressing <br />two issues: tree preservation and wetland protection. The Task Force completed the drafting <br />and implementation of the Tree Preservation Ordinance. Last summer, the Task Force engaged <br />the services of Hoisington Koegler and Peterson Environmental to assist with the drafting of a <br />wetland buffer ordinance. <br /> <br />The &aft has been completed and is scheduled for a public hearing in front of the Planning <br />Commission on May 5. The draft ordinance was provided to the Commissioners on April 7. <br />The purpose of this case is to provide the Planning Commissioners with the opportunity to <br />review and discuss the ordinance with the consultants prior to the May 5 public hearing. <br /> <br />Observations: <br /> <br />The purpose of wetland buffers is to provide protection of wetlands in the city based on their <br />quality and other relevant factors through the establishment of natural vegetative buffers. These <br />buffers are intended to provide natural edges to wetlands that serve a number of purposes such as <br />wi ldli[k habitat, pollutant filtration, and biodiversity. <br /> <br />BufTers are established when triggered by development or on a voluntary basis. The width of the <br />buf~)r is based on wetland quality, topography, soils, and other environmental conditions. <br />Generally, a natural vegetative strip serving as a wetland buffer will range between 5 and 50 feet. <br />Review of site conditions by the City is an important aspect of determining the appropriate <br />bufl~r width. <br /> <br />Recommendation: <br /> <br />None. <br /> <br />Commission Action: <br /> <br />Nc) action required; for inIbrmation and discussion purposes only. <br /> <br />7 <br /> <br />Review Checklist: <br /> <br />(;omm. Development Director <br />Asst. Public Works Dir./Principal Engineer <br />City Kngineer <br />Civil Engineer <br />Associate Planners <br />Zoning and Recycling Coordinator <br /> <br />PC: 04/21/05 <br /> <br />85 <br /> <br /> <br />