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Wetland Buffer Ordinance <br />Definitions (amendment to Chapter 30, Section 30-1) <br />The following words, terms and phrases shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this <br />section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning: <br />Wads are (i) noxious weeds as defined and designated pursuant to the "Minnesota noxious <br />weed law", Minnesota Statutes, Section 18.76-18.88, as amended from time to time, or (ii) <br />any volunteer plants. For the purposes of this definition, weeds do not include dandelions <br />or clover. <br />Wetland Alteration is achange to the wetland or wetland buffer strip in regards to size, depth <br />or contour; dredging; tilling; ditching; or changes in vegetation. Alterations would not <br />include wetland plantings or selective clearing or pruning of prohibited or restricted noxious <br />weeds as defined in Minnesota Rules 1050.0730 to 1050.0750. <br />Wetland Buffer Strip is an area of vegetated ground cover around the perimeter of a wetland <br />that, either in its natural condition or through intervention, has the characteristics of a Buffer <br />as previously defined. <br />Purpose <br />The City shall promote the general health, safety, and welfare of its residents by conserving <br />and protecting wetlands, avoiding the alteration or destruction of wetlands, and requiring <br />sound management practices as provided for in the Wetland Conservation Act (WCA) when <br />development occurs in the vicinity of wetlands. The City seeks to accomplish the following <br />purposes: <br />1. Balance the need to preserve and protect natural resources and systems with the <br />rights of private property owners and the need to support the efficient use of <br />developable land within the City; <br />2. Promote water quality by <br />a. maintaining the ability of wetlands to recharge and receive the discharge of <br />ground water, <br />b. preventing soil erosion, <br />c. retaining sediment, nutrients and toxicants in wetland buffer strip areas <br />before it discharges into community wetlands, lakes and streams, <br />d. avoiding contamination and eutrophication of water features; <br />3. Reduce human disturbances to wetlands by providing a visual and physical <br />transition from surrounding yards; and <br />4. Provide wildlife habitat and thereby support the maintenance of diversity of both <br />plant and animal species within the City. <br />The Minnesota Wetland Conservation Act and Minnesota Rules 8420 as amended from time <br />to time are hereby incorporated by reference. <br />S:IPLANNING\Case Files12006\OA\OA 06-04 City of ER Wetland\Wetland Buffer Ordinance.doc <br />