Agenda - Planning Commission - 05/05/2005

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maintain a natural characteristic but average buffer widths must be adhered to. The widest portion of the buffer should be in natural runoff'areas. Construction grading should be kept mindful of the natural runoff areas and graded appropriately. Subd. 6. Wetland buffer strips not required by this Chapter may be voluntarily created in conformance with the requirements of this Chapter concurrent with approval of a site plan, or in the absence of a site plan, upon approval of an administrative permit. Subd. 7. Maximum, Minimum and Average Wetland Buffer Widths Maxir~um ~¢etland Minimun~'Wetland Aver~'ge Wetland Buffer Width Buffer Width Buffer Widtfi Prese'r:ve 50 feet -- 25 feet 30 feet .... Manage 1 30 'feet 20 feet : ....25 feet Manage 2 25 feet 15 feet '-' 20 feet _Manage 3 15 feet .. 5 feet .... .10 feet 9.26.06 Alternative Wetland Buffer Strips and Setbacks with Extraordinary Management MeasUres. Subd. 1. A variance will be required to install and/or maintain a narrower wetland buffer strip than required by this ordinance. The variance shall be processed in accordance with the procedures established in Section 9.03.07 of the City Code. Criteria governing consideration of a variance request to reduce the minimum wetland buffer strip width requirements shall include, but not be limited, to the following: (a) whether the variance will have the effect of allowing a use that is prohibited in the applicable zoning district. (b) whether the variance will impair established property values within the neighborhood. (c) whether the variance will violate the intent and purpose of the Comprehensive Plan. (d) whether the variance requested is the minimum variance necessary to accomplish the intended purpose of the applicant. Subd. 2. The City may approve alternative standards, based on ar~ assessment of the following: (a) size of the parcel Ramsey Wetland Protection Ordinance - April 2005 Draft Page 7 of 8 86