Article V. Wetlands
18.65.318 Wetland – Identification and evaluation.
(1) Generally. Identification of wetlands and delineation of their boundaries pursuant to this chapter shall be done using the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual (Environmental Laboratory 1987) and the Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region (Version 2.0) (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 2010), or as amended. All areas within the City meeting the wetland criteria are hereby designated critical areas and are subject to the provisions of this chapter. Wetland delineations are valid for five years; after such date the City shall determine whether a revision or additional assessment is necessary.
(2) Evaluation. The developer shall determine if a wetland exists on or within 225 feet of the subject property, and shall submit a wetland report prepared by a qualified professional. The City will verify the findings in the report based on current studies and field verification. The wetland report and the accompanying plan sheets shall contain the following information:
(a) Critical area report information identified in CMC 18.65.110;
(b) Identification of all local, State, and/or Federal wetland related permit(s) required for the proposal;
(c) Documentation of fieldwork, including field data sheets, rating forms, and baseline hydrologic data;
(d) Description of the methodologies used to conduct the wetland delineations, rating forms, or impact analyses, including references;
(e) Identification and characterization of all wetlands and buffers on and within 225 feet of the subject property. For off-site areas with limited or no access, estimate conditions using best available information;
(f) Provide the following for each wetland identified on and/or within 225 feet of the subject property. Acreage estimates, classifications, and ratings shall be based on entire wetland complexes, not only the portion present on the subject property:
(i) Wetland rating and score for each function;
(ii) Required buffers;
(iii) Hydrogeomorphic classification;
(iv) Wetland acreage;
(v) U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Cowardin) classification of vegetation communities;
(vi) Habitat elements;
(vii) Soil conditions based on site assessment and/or soil survey information; and
(viii) Hydrologic information such as location and condition of inlets/outlets, estimated water depths within the wetland, and estimated hydroperiod patterns based on visual cues (e.g., algal mats, drift lines, and flood debris);
(g) An evaluation of the functions of the wetland and adjacent buffer. Include reference for the method used and supporting documentation.
(3) No development or improvements may be located within a wetland except as provided in this chapter. (Ord. 09-19 § 9 (Exh. D); Ord. 06-17 § 4 (Exh. B))