2005/08/10 Council Agenda Packet

l3 Exhibit 1 NEW Condition Palustrine wetlands on Smith Island north of 12th Street, on North Spencer Island, and on the city-owned property southwest of Weyco Island shall be categorized per Figure 3.9-2 (based upon SEWIP Wildlife Function). Category 1 wetlands shall have a minimum buffer of 200 feet. Category 2 wetlands shall have a minimum buffer of 100 feet. Category 3 wetlands shall have a minimum buffer of 50 feet. A function assessment must be completed for all projects to demonstrate that these buffers result in no net loss of wetland and stream function. A wider buffer will be required when necessary to protect wetland and stream functions. The buffers may be reduced in accordance with PDI 01-005 where there has been prior substantial legal alteration to the buffer and when the project applicant: (1) completes an approved function assessment, and (2)prepares an approved habitat management plan that includes buffer enhancement that would improve the functional performance of the buffer and associated critical area. In no case shall the buffers be reduced by more than 50%, except: • When a significant action that restores salmonid rearing habitat is incorporated into the proposal, including actions such as reconnection of a blind tidal channel, a dike breach, or removal of fill to create tidal marsh area. • Public access improvements such as trails and interpretive facilities may be included in portions of the buffer when the biological assessment and habitat management plan (if required) demonstrate no significant adverse impacts or that significant adverse impacts are mitigated. • Buffers may be reduced to provide a reasonable use of a property as specified in EMC 19.37.050.D. • Expansion of existing facilities such as SR529 and I-5 may be allowed when mitigation is provided for buffer impacts. The City shall ask the appropriate resource agencies to review and comment on the function assessment and management plan. 25. Buffers shall not be reduced below that required by EMC 19.37.100.A. for the Urban Conservancy designated wetlands in the Marshland area, except when the proposal includes significant actions that would restore salmonid rearing functions, such as removing dikes, improving channel connections, and removing fill to create tidal marsh, and except where existing improvements such as the railroad effectively limit the buffers in some areas. 26. Stormwater facilities are prohibited in Category 1 stream and wetland buffers. In lower rated wetlands and streams, stormwater management facilities, are permitted only within the outer twenty-five percent (25%) of the buffer, provided that: 154 Section 3 General Goals, Objectives,Policies and Regulations Page 3-84