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in order to provide protection . to a particular portion of a <br /> wetland which is especially sensitive, or to incorporate existing <br /> significant vegetation or habitat areas into the buffer. Buffer <br /> width averaging shall not adversely impact the functions and <br /> values of the wetland. The adjusted minimum buffer width shall <br /> not be less than fifty (50) percent of the standard buffer width <br /> or twenty (20) feet, whichever is greater. <br /> Section 11: Avoiding Wetland Impacts. <br /> A. Preservation and Protection Goals. It is the short term goal of <br /> this Ordinance that there be no "net loss" of the acreage or <br /> functional values of all wetlands regulated by this Ordinance. <br /> The long term goal is a "net gain" in functional values. To <br /> realize wetland preservation goals, the City will use the <br /> following methods of wetland impact mitigation in order of <br /> preference: <br /> 1 . Avoid impact all together by not taking a certain action or <br /> parts of and action; <br /> 2 . Minimize impact by limiting the degree or magnitude of the <br /> action and its implementation by using appropriate <br /> technology, or by taking affirmative steps to avoid or <br /> reduce impact; <br /> 3 . Rectify the impact by repairing, rehabilitating or restoring <br /> the affected sensitive areas; <br /> 4. Reduce or eliminate the impact over time by prevention and <br /> maintenance operations during the life of the actions; <br /> 5. Compensate for the impact by replacing, enhancing, or <br /> providing substitute wetland areas and environments; <br /> 6 . Monitor the impact and take appropriate corrective measures. <br /> B. Wetland Preservation/Alteration Thresholds. <br /> 1. Category I Wetlands - All Category I wetlands shall be <br /> preserved except as provided herein. The Planning Director <br /> using Review Process II.C, may allow alteration of Category <br /> I wetlands: <br /> a. where alteration is allowed pursuant to Section 5 of <br /> this Ordinance; or <br /> b. the alteration is solely to provide access to <br /> deepwater for a water dependent use or to expand an <br /> existing water dependent use in an area which is <br /> designated as an "urban" environment by the Shoreline <br /> Master Program, and the alteration does not act to <br /> degrade the functions of the wetland, or the alteration <br /> proposed has a reasonable likelihood of being fully <br /> mitigated; or <br /> /5 <br />