14.100.253 Requirements for Wetland Buffer Decrease.
The director shall have the authority to reduce the standard buffer widths identified in Section 14.100.250; provided, that the general standards for avoidance and minimization per Section 14.100.071(A) and (B) shall apply; and provided further, that all of the following apply:
A. The buffer reduction shall not adversely affect the functions and values of the adjacent wetlands;
B. The buffer of a Category I or II wetland that has not been preassessed shall not be reduced to less than seventy-five (75) percent of the required buffer or fifty (50) feet, whichever is greater;
C. The buffer of a Category III or IV wetland that has not been preassessed shall not be reduced to less than seventy-five (75) percent of the required buffer, or twenty-five (25) feet, whichever is greater;
D. The buffer of a wetland that has been preassessed according to Section 14.100.250(C) shall not be reduced to a value lower than that shown in the column titled Buffer Width by Impact of Proposed Land Use in SMP Appendix 2: Table 0-2: Width of Buffers Needed to Protect Wetlands in Aberdeen for the specific wetland under consideration;
E. The applicant implements all reasonable measures to reduce the adverse effects of adjacent land uses and ensure no net loss of buffer functions and values. The specific measures that shall be implemented include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. Direct lights away from the wetland and buffer;
2. Locate facilities that generate substantial noise (such as some manufacturing, industrial and recreational facilities) away from the wetland and buffer;
3. Establish covenants limiting use of pesticides within one hundred fifty (150) feet of wetland;
4. Implement integrated pest management programs;
5. Infiltrate or treat, detain and disperse runoff into buffer;
6. Post signs at the outer edge of the critical area or buffer to clearly indicate the location of the critical area according to the direction of the city;
7. Plant buffer with native vegetation appropriate for the region to create screens or barriers to noise, light, human intrusion and discourage domestic animal intrusion;
8. Use low impact development where appropriate;
9. Establish a permanent conservation easement to protect the wetland and the associated buffer.