Title
An Ordinance amending Article III, Chapter 12 of the Code of Ordinances, relating to riparian areas, riparian buffer zones, and riparian buffer permits, as follows: amending Section 12-71(1) of the Code to include naturalized detention basin bottoms in the definition of riparian area; amending Section 12-71(3) of the Code to authorize a maximum buffer zone of twenty-five (25) feet from the edge of naturalized detention basin bottoms; and amending Sections 12-71, 12-72, and 12-73 of the Code to provide that the Div. of Environmental Services or its designee shall have the authority to issue riparian buffer permits, approve riparian vegetation, and inspect riparian areas for compliance with the terms and conditions of riparian buffer permits. [Council Office, Maynard]
Summary
Body
WHEREAS, the Urban County Council recognizes the importance of and benefits conferred by riparian areas in improving surface drainage and reducing the effects of storm water flooding, filtering non-point source pollution from area streams, enhancing water quality, stabilizing soil and thereby minimizing erosion, and providing habitat for wildlife; and
WHEREAS, in recognition of the benefits of riparian areas, the Urban County Council has previously established a riparian buffer permit process, codified in Article III of Chapter 12 of the Code of Ordinances, Sections 12-71 through 12-76, setting forth the terms and conditions for the issuance of riparian buffer permits for riparian area buffer zones; and
WHEREAS, the Urban County Council desires to amend Article III of Chapter 12 of the Code of Ordinances to include naturalized detention basin bottoms in the definition of riparian area, to authorize the issuance of riparian buffer permits for buffer zones adjoining or including naturalized detention basin bottoms, subject to the terms and conditions for riparian buffer permits set forth in Section 12-71 through 12-76 of the Code of Ordinances, and to pr...
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