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� <br /> MEMORANDUM <br /> To: Chair Ralui�.nci Pl�uming Couimissioners <br /> Ron Moorse, City Administrator <br /> From: Mike Gaffron, Planning Directar <br /> Date: August 9, 2005 <br /> Subject: City of Orono: Proposed Ordinance Amendment: Wetland Protection <br /> - Proposed Zo�ai�ig Code Sectioirs 78-Z601 tltru 78-1614 <br /> - Anre�zrl Sections 78-1; 78-213(13) et a/; 78-563(c)(6); 78-568; <br /> 78-570(2)(b); 78-1211; 78-1286(e) <br /> List of Exhibits <br /> A - Proposed Ordinance Sections 78-1601 tluu 78-1614 (August 4, 2005 dt•aft) <br /> B - Proposed Ancillary Code Revisions <br /> C - Public Hearing Notice <br /> Background/Chronology <br /> FEMA Floodplain Ordinance Mandate. In response to FEMA and MnDNR requireinents <br /> that Orono's floodplain ordinances be updated by September 2004, staff in early 2004 <br /> began to draft revisions to tlie Floodplain and Wetland Management section of the zoning <br /> code. It became immediately obvious that this was the opportunity to separate the <br /> previously combined wetland and floodplain ordinances i�lto two individual code <br /> sections. The combined language had long been confiising and unwieldy, difficult to <br /> interpret and administer. <br /> Initial Drafts. By August, 2004 the draft floodplain ordinance revisions were deemed <br /> acceptable by the DNR, by FEMA, and by the City Council. However, the Council had a <br /> number of remaining issues and concerns regarding the proposed wetland ordinance as <br /> drafted. As a result, on August 23, 2004 the Council adopted Ordinance No. 16, 3rd <br /> Series, which eliminated the existing Floodplain and Wetland Management code <br /> language and adopted a new Floodplain Management ordinance. <br /> Moratorium. Because this action left the City without a wetland ordinance, the City <br /> concurrently adopted Ordinance No. 17, 3rd Series, establishing a 6-moiith nzaratorium <br /> prohibiting wetland alterations and prohibiting the grauting of building or laiid alteration <br /> permits or permit approvals, prelimin�ry subdivision approval, zoning (cup/variance) <br /> approval, rezoning, or PUD approval, involving alteratiotis of wetlands and ai•eas within <br /> 26 feet of wetlands. The moratorium was set to expire February 23, 2005. <br />