HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrd #205 - 3rd Ser/Amending Wetland Regulations ORDINANCE NO.205, THIRD SERIES
CITY OF ORONO
HENNEPIN COUNTY, MINNESOTA
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES
PERTAINING TO WETLAND REGULATIONS
THE CITY COUNCIL OF ORONO ORDAINS:
SECTION 1. Section 78-1605 shall be amended by adding and deleting text to read as
follows:
Wetland buffer areas and setbacks.
(a)This subsection establishes authority for wetland buffer areas around protected wetlands.
Buffer areas are necessary and beneficial to maintain the health of wetlands. Buffer areas protect
the edge of wetlands from erosion while filtering sediment, chemicals and other nutrients from
runoff that drains into wetlands. Buffer areas can improve the biological diversity and health of a
wetland environment while reducing the adverse impacts of human activities.
(b)All wetlands within the City of Orono are within the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District
(MCWD), which has rules and regulations for the establishment and maintenance of wetland
buffers. In an effort to avoid overlapping or conflicting regulations, the city defers jurisdiction for the
establishment and maintenance of wetland buffers to the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District. If
application of MCWD buffer regulations is in conflict with city regulations, the Watershed District
requirements shall apply.
(c) Setbacks. Where the MCWD has established or requires a wetland buffer, the wetland buffer
rules shall apply.
i. Where the MCWD does not require a buffer, a twenty-five foot setback shall be required
between the edge of all wetlands from any building (principal or accessory) or other
structure, septic systems, or wells. The wetland edge shall be determined as required in
Section 78-1604 of this Code.
ii. Setback revegetation. Areas within the required setback area subject to filling, grading
or excavation as part of a construction project shall be revegetated immediately upon
completion of such earthwork.
(d) The City of Orono has established wetland protection strategies in the Orono Surface Water
Management Plan (SWMP) (January 2011). The protection classification for each wetland will be
found on the "Wetland Management Classification Map & List"which is hereby adopted by
reference, a copy of which shall be kept on file in the office of the city clerk and shall be available for
public review during all normal office hours. The Minnehaha Creek Watershed District required
buffer area widths are based on the four protection classifications.
SECTION 2. EFFECTIVE DATE: This ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its
passage and publication.
1
ADOPTED this 9th day of April 2018 on a vote of ayes and Q nays by the
City Council of Orono,Minnesota.
ATTEST:
i
Anna Carlson, City Clerk Dennis Walsh, Mayor
Ordinance published in The Laker and The Pioneer newspapers the week of April 21, 2018.
2