§ 21.70.090. Riparian habitat areas.

Riparian habitat areas. Unless otherwise allowed in this title, all structures and activities shall be located outside the riparian habitat area.

(1)

Riparian habitat areas shall be established for habitats that include aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems that mutually benefit each other, and are located adjacent to rivers, perennial, and some intermittent streams.

(2)

Riparian habitat widths are indicated in the table below. The width shall be measured outward from both sides of the stream from the ordinary high water mark or from the top of the stream bank.

Stream type	Recommended RHA Width
Type S	250 feet
Type F	200 feet
Type Np	150 feet
Type Ns	50 feet

 

(3)

Increased riparian habitat area widths. The recommended riparian habitat area widths shall be increased at the discretion of the planning commission if the recommended width is insufficient to prevent habitat degradation and/or deterioration of riparian functions and values.

(4)

Riparian habitat mitigation. Mitigation of adverse impacts to riparian habit areas shall result in equivalent functions and values, be located as near the alteration as feasible, and be located in the same sub drainage basin as the habitat impacted. Mitigation requirements shall be the same as outlined in subsection 21.70.075(3)e. Mitigation requirements may be modified at the discretion of the planning commission if it is demonstrated that alternative mitigation measure will result in no net loss of habitat functions and values.

(Ord. No. X-30, § 10, 7-10-2018; Ord. No. T-84, § 15, 2005; Ord. No. T-03, § 1(part), 2002)