10-23-2017 Council Work Session Packet

Home Browse Search

CITY OF ORONO MEMORANDUM DATE: October 23, 2017 TO: City Council FROM: Jeremy Barnhart, Community Development Director RE: Wetland Buffer / Setback Clarification Staff understands there may be some confusion from residents as to the applicability of wetland setbacks and buffers. This memo is intended to offer clarity. Please direct any questions to planning staff. A wetland buffer is a Watershed imposed land use limitation on land surrounding a delineated wetland. The buffers range in width from 16.5 feet to 75 feet. No activity can occur within a buffer. Buffers are usually characterized by native vegetating (long grasses). The watershed district requires the posting of buffer markers. A wetland setback is a city imposed restriction on building and grading activity. The city imposes a 10 foot setback in addition to an established buffer. Where no buffer has been established, the city setback is 35 feet, which is the smallest typical buffer of 25 feet plus 10 feet. The setback is intended to preserve the buffer by establishing a minimum separation between buildings and hard cover and the buffer. The city does not require a buffer. The attached drawing shows the two scenarios, one with a buffer and the additional 10' setback (Fig. 1) and the second, a wetland and city setback. (Fig 2.) In May, the City Council approved modifications to the zoning ordinance as it related to when a wetland delineation is required, but did not amend the setback requirements. The buffer requirements are established by the Watershed.