Ordinance 1838-91 - Laserfiche WebLink

• 3 . The land adjacent to the stream and its associated buffer is classified as a geologically hazardous or unstable area; or 4. Increased buffer width is necessary to effectively include the riparian corridor of the stream. 5. A trail or utility corridor, as provided by Section 37.050, is proposed within the buffer; or 6. A drainage or water quality improvement, approved by the City, is proposed within the buffer. 7 . When the minimum buffer for a stream extends into an area with a slope of greater than 25 percent, the buffer shall be the greater of: a. The minimum buffer for that particular stream; or b. 25 feet beyond the point where the slope becomes 25% or less. C. Standard Stream Buffer Width Reduction. The Planning Director may, using Review Process II .C, reduce the standard stream buffer width only when there has previously been substantial legal alteration of the stream and/or buffer on the subject lot or adjoining lots. The Planning Director shall require buffer width averaging rather than allowing a buffer width reduction except when the proposal includes a stream and buffer enhancement plan that improves the functional values of the buffer and the stream. An enhanced buffer shall not result in more than a 50 percent reduction in buffer width, and the reduced buffer shall not be less than the minimum dimension allowed by buffer width averaging. D. Riparian Wetland. Any stream adjoined by a riparian wetland shall have the buffer which applies to the wetland, unless the stream buffer requirement is more protective, in which case the stream buffer requirement shall apply. Riparian wetland and associated stream buffers shall not be reduced except as provided in Section 5 of this Ordinance. E. Standard Buffer Width Averaging. The City may allow buffer width averaging, provided that the total area on the lot contained within the averaged buffer is not less than that required within the standard buffer. The City may require buffer width averaging in order to provide protection to a particular portion of a stream which is especially sensitive or to incorporate existing significant vegetative or habitat features into the buffer. Averaging shall not adversely impact the functions and values of the stream system. In either case, the adjusted minimum buffer width shall not be less than fifty percent of the standard buffer width or ten (10) feet, whichever is greater. Section 15: Avoiding Stream Impacts. A. Stream Preservation/Alteration Goal and Priorities. It is the short term goal of this section that there be no "net loss" of 23