Draft Ordinance Language for Wetlands
Filed in Wetlands/Riparian |
We have provided revisions of the wetland and buffer sections of the ordinance to the subcommittee members for review. A main remaining issue within this draft is regarding riparian areas. This draft provides protection under the buffer section to areas that would have previously been protected under the riparian section of the current ordinance. Additionally, this version proposes a maxim width of the linear buffers of 50’, whereas the previous ordinance only limited the riparian width to the width of the flood plain. There has been much discussion on this issue of width and the group is looking for feedback to work towards a consensus. The questions is whether to leave the width as determined under the current Ordinance, or set a maximum width as currently written. Though it is possible that a different maximum width could be used. Or to have maximum widths based on the tributary area, a sliding scale. If you have the opportunity, please provide us with your thoughts on this issue.
While the Steering Committee is not in consensus yet on all issues, we are posting the most recent version of the draft changes regarding wetlands , riparian environments and buffers in order to let all see where the discussion is at now, and to participate through the review and comment process.
Tuesday, June 1st 2010 at 3:15 pm |
Treating riparian and wetland buffers the same makes sense because it is consistent: wheter a wetland, pond or stream, working within X-feet of it requires extra care.
I think a sliding scale would be best if we set the scale as part of the ordinance, and not leave it open to interpretation (if this is the intent, ignore the latter part of the comment).