5.8. PCSR 04-11-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

. . . MEMORANDUM TO: Planning Commission Rebecca Haug, Environmental Administrator f.r FROM: DATE: April 11. 2006 SUBJECT: Case No. OA 06-01 Regarding Wetland Buffer Setbacks Request: As part of the City's Natural Resource Inventory, the recommendation to adopt a wetland buffer ordinance was initiated. Staff along with the City's Wetland Technical Evaluation Panel, which is made of individuals from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE), Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR), Sherburne County Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD), Terry Maurer, City Engineer and John Norgren, Sherburne County Ditch Inspector and the City's Natural Resource Inventory Task Force drafted a wetland buffer ordinance. Information was collected from other communities and there was considerable discussion between the groups on the language in the ordinance. The proposed ordinance is much less restrictive than several of the communities that were researched. Most of the communities determine setbacks from wetlands based upon the quality of the wetland. The purpose of this ordinance is to protect the remaining wetlands in the City of Elk River . Wetlands serve several functions and are very important to water quality. The ordinance would require a 25 foot buffer strip from the delineated wetland boundary or the ordinary high water level of a stormwater pond. A minimum of 20 feet from the wetland buffer setback would also be required and limitations on what can be placed in this area are defined in the ordinance language. This ordinance is intended for new construction of plats so any existing lots that abut a wetland would not be affected. Recommendation: Staff is recommending approval of the attached wetland buffer ordinance. Please see the attached ordinance. I will be present at the meeting to address any questions or concerns.