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.. <br /> Wetland Ordinance Revisions <br /> Apri126,2013 <br /> Page 4 <br /> MCWD vs. Orono Buffer Widths Comparison <br /> If Orono defers a11 buffer requirements to MCWD, for those situations where a buffer is required <br /> by MCWD (new subdivisions, new homes, replacement homes with net hardcover increase, <br /> commercial development, etc.) we wanted to compare MCWD buffer width requirements with <br /> Orono's, to gain an understanding whether they would provide an equivalent level of wetland <br /> protection as Orono's existing codes. MCWD has standard base buffer widths that exceed those <br /> of Orono, and then has a variety of buffer width modification methods. Here is a summary of <br /> their requirements: <br /> MCWD Rule 6: Buffer Width � <br /> M-3 M-2 M-1 Preserve <br /> 6a. "Base Buffer Widths" are: 20' - 30' -40' - 75' <br /> "Minimum Applied Buffer Widths" (MABV� are: 16' - 24' - 34' - 67' <br /> Orono Existing: 16.5'-25'- 35'- SO' <br /> 6b. The base buffer widths can be reduced: <br /> - by 2' for every 5% decrease in average buffer slope from 20%; <br /> � (i.e. 2' for 15% slope; 4' for 10% slope; 6' for 5% slope; 8' for 0% slope) <br /> -by 2' for each hydrologic soil group above Type D <br /> But, slope or soil condition reductions can't drop buffer below MABW <br /> 6c. This is functionally a buffer width averaging method,with parameters: <br /> - 50% of MABW must be maintained at a11 points <br /> -No reduction in total buffer area s.f. (1:1 replacement) <br /> -Must provide equivalent wetland&habitat protection(somewhat subjective) <br /> -Areas of buffer>200% of actual applied buffer width don't count <br /> -Areas of trails &paths in buffer will be added to total req'd buffer area <br /> -Path<4' wide providing riparian access will not be added to req'd buffer area <br /> 6d. MCWD may reduce actual applied buffer width to as low as 50% if demonstrated <br /> by applicant that conditions provide equal function and value as a full buffer <br /> (somewhat subjective) � <br /> 6e. Linear project(road projects)buffer width limited to available R-O-W <br /> 6f. For New Principal Residence Structures: Applied buffer width can't be more than <br /> 25% of the distance between wetland and closest point of existing structure or <br /> 25', whichever is greater; but buffer can't exceed Base Buffer Width and can't <br /> make properry unbuildable. <br />