Township of Butler, PA Article VI Riparian Buffer Standards

§ 242-18 Riparian buffer generally.

Butler Township strongly encourages developers and other persons engaged in regulated activities to provide riparian buffers for the protection of watersheds and to promote the health, safety and public welfare.

§ 242-19 Required buffers.

For any regulated activity, the minimum riparian buffer shall be as follows with the buffer being measured perpendicularly from the top of the stream bank landward:

A. For all watersheds other than high quality or exceptional value watersheds or impaired watersheds: a minimum of 50 feet; or

B. As determined by a stream corridor study approved by PADEP and the municipality.

§ 242-20 Strongly recommended riparian buffers.

A. For any regulated activity, the minimum riparian buffer should be as follows with the buffer being measured perpendicularly from the top of the stream bank landward.

(1) High quality or exceptional value watersheds: a minimum of 150 feet;

(2) For impaired watersheds: a minimum of 150 feet.

B. Developers are encouraged to have a riparian buffer located on both sides of all perennial and intermittent streams. The perennial and intermittent streams and the proposed riparian buffer boundaries, if any, should be shown on all applications for building permits, subdivision, or land development. Existing uses within the buffer are permitted to continue but it is encouraged that they not be expanded.

C. The buffer should be undisturbed forest consisting of appropriate native species.

D. Where wetlands are located partially or entirely within a buffer, the buffer should be extended to encompass the wetland and shall be widened by a distance sufficient to provide a twenty-five-foot forested buffer measured perpendicularly from the wetland boundary.

E. The following uses shall be permitted in the buffer:

(1) Footpaths, trails and bike paths, provided that:

(a) Width is limited to five feet;

(b) Width may be increased, provided a corresponding increase in the buffer is provided;

(c) Construction shall have minimal impact to the buffer.

(2) Stream crossings, provided the crossing is designed and constructed in such a manner as to minimize the impact to the buffer. The riparian buffer should be restored to its original condition, to the maximum extent practical, upon completion of construction.

(3) Utility lines, provided that the crossing is designed and constructed in such a manner as to minimize the impact to the inner buffer, and provided that there is no practical alternative to locating the utility line within the buffer. The riparian buffer should be restored to its original condition, to the maximum extent practical, upon completion of construction.

(4) Maintenance and restoration of the riparian buffer.

(5) Projects conducted with the objective of improvement, stabilization, restoration, or enhancement of the stream bank, stream channel, floodplain, watershed hydrology, riparian buffers, or aquatic habitat and maintenance activities associated with such projects. These projects include, but are not limited to, agricultural and stormwater management best management practices. Such projects must receive appropriate permits and approvals from PADEP prior to starting the project.

(6) Minor private recreational uses for the property owner. Such uses include benches, fire rings, and similar uses. Such uses do not include structures such as cabins, sheds, pavilions, garages, dwellings or similar structures.

F. Disturbance of the riparian buffer should be limited to the area necessary to perform an allowable use.

G. Where possible and practical, disturbances should be phased with each phase restored prior to beginning the next phase.

H. Allowable activities should not cause stormwater flow to concentrate.

I. Any vegetation removed for an allowable activity should be replaced immediately upon completion of the activity. Where mature trees are removed, such trees should be replaced with the largest practical tree of acceptable native species.

J. Erosion and sediment pollution control shall be installed and maintained during construction. Evidence of an approved erosion and sediment control plan, NPDES permit or other PADEP permit, where required, shall be submitted prior to issuance of local permits.

K. Riparian buffers should be maintained in a manner consistent with sound forest management practices. In the absence of a site specific management plan, the following maintenance guidelines apply:

(1) Buffers should be inspected periodically for evidence of excessive sediment deposition, erosion or concentrated flow channels. Prompt action should be taken to correct these problems and prevent future occurrence.

(2) Trees presenting an unusual hazard of creating downstream obstructions should be removed. Such material should be removed from the floodplain or the riparian buffer (whichever is widest); or cut into sections small enough so as to prevent the possibility of creating obstructions downstream. Wherever possible, large stable debris should be conserved.

(3) Vegetation should be inspected periodically to ensure diverse vegetative cover and vigorous plant growth consistent with buffering objectives.

(a) Remove invasive plant species that may threaten the integrity of the buffer.

(b) Periodic cutting of trees may be necessary to promote vigorous growth and encourage regeneration.

(4) Excessive use of fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals should be avoided. These products should be used only when absolutely necessary to maintain buffer vegetation.