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02-02-1996 Memo• • TO: ADVISORY PARKS, RECREATION, AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION - NATURAL RESOURCES SUBCOMMITTEE FROM: RICH BRASCH, WATER RESOURCES COORDINATOR DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION RE: REVIEW ISSUES FOR BUFFER ORDINANCE DATE: FEBRUARY 2, 1996 In an effort to facilitate dialogue on the buffer ordinance, staff has applied the proposed buffer requirements to several developments with which the Subcommittee is familiar. The exercise raised a number of questions that may merit consideration by the Subcommittee. They are as follows: 1. How should the buffer ordinance be administered when grading within the buffer is necessary to create a replacement wetland? 2. Is there a rationale for including more flexibility in the buffer width requirements so the City can trade -off wetland and non - wetland natural resource concerns? For example, should we be concerned if by strict adherence to a minimum buffer standard, a road is pushed out over a slope which would result in greater tree loss? 3. Should we allow the construction of treatment ponds within buffers under certain conditions? 4. Do we want to apply the same buffer requirements to replacement wetlands as natural wetlands? 5. Is the Subcommittee sure it does not wish to incorporate a setback provision for buildings and /or other structures in order to minimize the potential for future problems with encroachment? Each of these issues will be illustrated at the meeting with specific examples so we get a "real life" perspective on how administration of the ordinance would work. In addition, comments from the City Attorney's office and other departments will be reviewed as well. Please contact me at 681 -4300 if you have any questions or need more information before or presented at the meeting. Rich Brasch Water Resources Coordinator