§ 9.2.1. Findings and Purposes

A.

Findings The Community Development Department of the City finds that buffers adjacent to state waters provide numerous benefits, including:

1.

Protecting, restoring and maintaining the chemical, physical and biological integrity of streams and their water resources.

2.

Removing pollutants delivered by urban stormwater runoff.

3.

Reducing erosion and controlling sedimentation.

4.

Protecting and stabilizing stream banks.

5.

Providing for infiltration of stormwater runoff.

6.

Maintaining base flow of streams.

7.

Contributing organic matter that is a source of food and energy for the aquatic ecosystem.

8.

Providing tree canopy to shade streams and promote desirable aquatic habitat.

9.

Providing riparian wildlife habitat.

10.

Furnishing scenic value and recreational opportunity.

11.

Providing opportunities for the protection and restoration of greenspace.

B.

Purposes The purpose of this Division is to protect the public health, safety, environment and general welfare; to minimize public and private losses due to erosion, siltation and water pollution; and to maintain stream water quality by provisions designed to:

1.

Create buffer and setback zones along state waters within the City for the protection of water resources; and

2.

Minimize land development within such buffers and setbacks by establishing buffer and setback requirements and by requiring authorization for any such activities.

( Ord. of 4-17-2018(7) , §§ 9-2, 9-3)