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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION <br /> <br />Topic Report: Wetland Buffer Ordinance <br />By: Chris Anderson, Zoning & Recycling <br /> Coordinator <br /> <br />Background: <br /> <br />At the July 26, 2005 City Council meeting, Staff presented a draft wetland buffer <br />ordinance. After some discussion regarding this draft ordinance, Council tabled any <br />action and directed Staff to place it on a work session agenda to provide an opportunity <br />for Council members to familiarize themselves with the contents of the ordinance. <br /> <br />In general, the purpose of the ordinance is to provide protection of wetlands in the City <br />based on their quality and other relevant factors through the establishment of natural <br />vegetative buffers. Establishment of wetland buffers will be triggered by development of <br />a property containing wetlands or on a voluntary basis for existing lots. The width of a <br />buff'ct 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 five <br />(5) and fifty (50) feet in width. A building setback of fifteen (15) feet is also required <br />from the edge of the buffer for fire safety purposes. <br /> <br />The ordinance does include a list of prohibited activities within the buffer area to help <br />ensure the performance of the buffer strips. However, there are also provisions that <br />would allow certain activities with an approved management plan. Furthermore, this <br />ordinance would not prevent an individual from engaging in active management of <br />invasive, non-native trees and shrubs as well as spot applications of herbicides to control <br />or eradicate prohibited, restricted or secondary noxious weeds. <br /> <br />Peterson Environmental Consulting is currently conducting a wetlands study that will be <br />used in conjunction with the ordinance. This study will provide the framework for a <br />Municipal Wetland Management Classification map that clearly identifies the <br />environmental attributes of a wetland and the associated required buffer width(s). This <br />study is vital for the implementation of the ordinance and once completed, it will be <br />presented to City Council for adoption. <br /> <br />Action Statement: <br /> <br />For in£ormation only. Any follow-up action will be based on your discussion. <br /> <br />Reviewed by: <br /> <br />Community Development Director <br /> <br />CCWS: 09/19/05 <br /> <br />-15- <br /> <br /> <br />