Laserfiche WebLink
r <br /> Policy 2.135.163 Buffers. Because the buffers adjoining wetlands and str ams perform many valuable <br /> functions,including soil stabilization and-erosion control,filtering of sediments and toxic chemicals,moderating <br /> storm runoff impacts,moderating water temperatures,protecting and providing fish and wildlife habitat and food <br /> - , . _ _ _ - - -- - - - -- ----- : : _ •_-, The City should require sufficient buffer width <br /> and functions to achieve no net loss of critical area functions and values. <br /> Policy 2.15.17 Emphasize tha rotection of those buffer functions of greatest importance within the Urban <br /> Growth Area. <br /> Policy 2.135. 0 Maintain a conservative approach which provides stringent buffer requirements for all streams <br /> that exhibit salmonid use. <br /> Policy 2.135.159 Protect riparian areas and buffers that have significant connections between other critical <br /> areas and/or large blocks of open space. <br /> Policy 2.135.3.62e Provide for buffers with non-linear edges that will increase wildlife functions when proposed <br /> development is adjacent to large blocks of existing open space or critical areas with a high function for wildlife. <br /> Policy 2.135.121 Recognize that buffers essential to provide wildlife habitat for large mammals do not currently <br /> exist except in the Snohomish River estuary,and are not feasible in Everett's urban environment. Provide <br /> adequate buffers for species that can adapt to the urban environment. <br /> Policy 2.1a5.iZ18 Compensation/Mitigation. Because streams and wetlands in Everett provide numerous <br /> beneficial functions and it is difficult to rccr ate these functions and values,tThe City should encourage the <br /> retention of streams and wetlands and their buffers in a natural state. Avoidance of adverse impacts is the best <br /> way to maintain existing critical area functions. When avoidance is not feasible,and streams or wetlands are <br /> permitted to be relocated or altered,the impacts caused by relocation or alteration should be compensated for by <br /> replacing the valuable functions each provides. The City shall maintain a policy and regulatory approach that <br /> mandates an overall no net loss in functions,values,or area for aquatic resource critical areas. The City's <br /> regulations should use the Washington State definition of mitigation including a mitigation sequencing approach: <br /> avoid,minimize, rectify,reduce over time,and compensate for unavoidable impacts. The City should continue a <br /> policy approach which provides the highest level of protection for the aquatic resource critical areas which have <br /> the highest functions and values. <br /> Policy 2.153.1g23 Provide for wetland mitigation banking and support efforts to establish mitigation banks that <br /> would result in an overall improvement of aquatic or wetland functions and values within a watershed. <br /> Policy 2.135.24o Restoration and Enhancement. Because urban development has degraded the natural <br /> condition of many of the wetlands and stream systems in Everett and because new land developments Of <br /> segments,the City should allow wetland or stream alteration when alteration results in restoration or <br /> enhancement of functions and values of altered or degraded wetlands and streams. The City should provide <br /> opportunities for restoration through watershed,basin,or subbasin mitigation strategies. <br /> Policy 2.135.215 Public Facilities. Because it is not always possible to avoid impacting water resources with <br /> certain vital public service facilities,cEncroachment into water resource areas for public facilities such as public <br /> streets,utilities,and public safety services should be avoided except when no feasible alternative exists,and such <br /> encroachment should be accomplished in a manner that assures the maximum possible protection of the natural <br /> system,and assures the safety of persons and properties. <br /> Policies for Fish and Wildlife Conservation Areas <br /> Policy 2.136.262 Protect and restore proposed,threatened,or endangered species and their habitat. Require <br /> preparation of biological assessments to assess potential impacts of development on listed species,and require <br /> preparation of habitat management plans when development proposals would result in impacts to fish and <br /> LAND USE ELEMENT,2019 Amendment 42 <br /> Exhibit 1 -Page 42 <br /> 108 <br />