7.2. SR 11-21-2016 - Laserfiche WebLink

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EGty1� ,.,�� Request for Action River To Item Number Mayor and City Council 7.2 Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by Public Hearin s November 21, 2016 Chris Leeseber , Senior Planner Item Description Reviewed by City of Elk River Zack Carlton,Planning Manager ■ Ordinance Amendment: Allow Decks in Kristin Mroz, Environmental Technician Wetland Buffer Setback Reviewed by Cal Portner, City Administrator Action Requested Adopt,by motion, an ordinance to amend Section 30-1852, Performance Standards. Background/Discussion In the past 16 months, the city has reviewed nine deck variances relating to setbacks within the required 45-foot wetland setback (25-foot wetland buffer strip and 20-foot wetland buffer strip setback). The City Council did not review any of the nine variances as they were all approved by the Board of Adjustments. During the City Council work session on September 19, 2016, staff was directed to amend to ordinance to not apply the 20-foot wetland buffer strip setback, for decks only, on properties platted prior to the adoption of the wetland setback ordinance on June 19, 2006. The 25-foot wetland buffer strip will be maintained. During the work session, the City Council asked why only decks would be allowed. The ordinance is in place to reduce the amount of stormwater runoff that reaches wetlands and retention stormwater ponds. Increased runoff adds sediments and nutrients from fertilizer to the water,requiring more frequent cleanouts of city-owned infrastructure and an increase in aquatic vegetation and algae. Decks and permeable pavement still allow some stormwater to infiltrate into the ground,reducing runoff. Roofs and non-permeable pavement do not meet these needs. Furthermore,natural wetlands can fluctuate in size. In times of heavy rainfall or above-average annual precipitation,wetlands and stormwater ponds may grow. There have been cases in Elk River where structures set less than 45 feet from a wetland boundary now see ground saturation up to the structure. This is a concern for the city and residents in terms of flooding and foundation damage. Staff is proposing to amend the following language: Sec. 30-1852. - Performance standards. (b) Vetland buffer strzp setback. A minimum 20-foot setback from wetland buffer strips is hereby established by the city. No principle or accessory structures, patios, paving, or other impervious surface shall be located within this setback. On property that was platted prior to June 19, 2006, uncovered decks and permeable pavement can be located within this setback. Nature trails, at the city's approval, may be located within the wetland buffer strip setback. POWERED 6T AR