17.10.010 Purpose and intent.
The purpose of this chapter is to create and maintain stream buffers as a best management practice. Stream buffers enhance water quality and provide a method of complying with the City’s national pollution elimination discharge permit.
(a) Buffers adjacent to waterways provide environmental protection and resource management benefits, which include the following:
(1) Helping protect the public from flooding;
(2) Controlling erosion and reducing sedimentation;
(3) Stabilizing stream banks;
(4) Removing pollutants delivered in stormwater;
(5) Restoring and maintaining the chemical, physical and biological integrity of the water resources;
(6) Providing infiltration of stormwater runoff;
(7) Providing tree canopy to shade streams and promoting desirable aquatic organisms;
(8) Providing riparian wildlife habitat;
(9) Furnishing scenic value and recreational opportunity;
(10) Providing sustainable native vegetation; and
(11) Maintaining base flow of streams.
It is the desire of the City to protect and maintain the native vegetation in riparian and wetland areas by implementing specifications for the establishment, protection and maintenance of buffer vegetation along waterways within the City limits.
(b) The intent of this chapter is to establish the minimum acceptable requirements for the design of buffers to protect the waterways of the City; to protect the water quality of waterways, reservoirs, lakes, and other significant water resources within the City; to protect the City’s riparian and aquatic ecosystems; and to provide for the environmentally sound use of the land resources. (Ord. 17837 § 1, 5-21-02. Code 1995 § 66-151.)