Receive Update on Schedule to Complete Wetland Ordinance Updates to comply with Lower Rum River WMO Third Generation Plan

Purpose

The purpose of this case is to receive an update on the proposed schedule to consider amendments to the City's wetland ordinances to comply with the Lower Rum River Watershed Management Organization (LRRWMO) Third Generation Plan (the "Plan"). The intent of this case is not to review the specific details of the standards, but to keep the City Council aprised of the schedule and advisory board review of the topic. The City Council will have the opportunity to review the specific standards upon review by the Environmental Policy Board (EPB) and Planning Commission.

Background

This is the last ordinance update required by the Lower Rum River Watershed Management Organization (LRRWMO) Third Generation Plan (the "Plan").  This Plan required that wetlands adjacent to new developments requiring a permit from the LRRWMO be protected from impacts during construction. Staff is developing an ordinance that will address these requirements.

Appendix G of the Plan is attached to the case for reference.  The key requirements are preservation of a sixteen and a half (16.5) foot wide strip of native vegetation around all wetlands during construction and the dedication of a drainage and utility easement extending at least sixteen and a half (16.5) feet from the delineated boundary of all wetlands and stormwater ponds.  The Plan does allow for replacement of the vegetation in the easement by the property owner after development is completed on the lot.

Given past review of this topic, including recent direction to consider a setback to wetlands to ensure adequate yard space, Staff thought it would be prudent to apprise City Council of the purpose and projected timeline to complete this work.

The proposed schedule for review of the ordinance is as follows:
 

1. February 22 - Environmental Policy Board (tentative date due to Presidents Day falling on the regularly scheduled meeting date)
2. March 3 - Planning Commission Public Hearing
3. March 22 - City Council Introduce the Ordinance
4. April 12 - City Council Adopt the Ordinance
5. May 13  Ordinance takes effect.

Preparation of the ordinance will be done as part of staff's normal duties.

Community Development and Engineering staff will be responsible for preparing the ordinance and presenting it to the boards and commissions.  The City Attorney will be asked to review the ordinance prior to adoption.

This case is presented to apprise the City Council of the ordinance that will be prepared and presented over the next several months.  It is noted that this is being prepared to comply with the LRRWMO Plan and was not initiated by a Board or Commission.