Agenda - Council Work Session - 07/19/2005

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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION Topic Report: Wetland Buffer Ordinance By: Chris Anderson, Zoning & Recycling Coordinator Background: City Staff, in conjunction with the Environmental Policy Board, has completed a wetland buffer ordinance. On July 7, 2005 the Planning Commission recommended that it be forwarded to the City Council for adoption. The ordinance will be on the July 26, 2005 Council agenda for introduction; however, Staff wanted to provide City Council with a draft of the ordinance for review prior to that meeting. In general, the purpose of the ordinance is to provide protection of wetlands in the City based on their quality and other relevant factors through the establishment of natural vegetative buffers. Wetland buffers will be established when triggered by development or on a voluntary basis for existing lots. The width of a buffer is based on wetland quality, topography, soils, and other environmental conditions. Generally, a natural vegetative strip serving as a wetland buffer will range between 5 and 50 feet in width. A list of prohibited activities within the buffer area has also been included to help ensure the performance of the buffer strips. A wetlands inventory and assessment by the City is an important aspect of determining appropriate buffer widths for individual wetlands. This will provide the framework for a Municipal Wetland Management Classification map that clearly identifies the environmental attributes of a wetland and the applicable required buffer width. City Staff has obtained quotes from Peterson Environmental for this work. City Staff has also applied for a MetroEnvironment Partnership Grant which, if awarded, will help offset the costs of this work. Action Statement: For information only. Any follow-up action will be based on your discussion. Reviewed by: Community Development Director CCWS: 07/19/05