[Ord. No. 5075 §1, 7-2-2008]
This Chapter shall be known as the "Richmond Heights Stream
Buffer Protection Ordinance".
[Ord. No. 5075 §1, 7-2-2008]
A. Findings. Whereas, the City Council of Richmond Heights
finds that buffers adjacent to streams provide numerous benefits including:
1. Protecting,
restoring and maintaining the chemical, physical and biological integrity
of streams and their water resources;
2. Removing
pollutants delivered in urban stormwater;
3. Reducing
erosion and controlling sedimentation;
4. Protecting
and stabilizing stream banks;
5. Providing
for infiltration of stormwater runoff;
6. Maintaining
base flow of streams;
7. Contributing
organic matter that is a source of food and energy for the aquatic
ecosystem;
8. Providing
tree canopy to shade streams and promote desirable aquatic habitat;
9. Providing
riparian wildlife habitat;
10. Furnishing
scenic value and recreational opportunity; and
11. Providing
opportunities for the protection and restoration of greenspace.
B. Purposes. The purpose of this Chapter is to protect the
public health, safety, environment and general welfare; to minimize
public and private losses due to erosion, siltation and water pollution;
and to maintain stream water quality by provisions designed to:
1. Create
buffer zones along the streams of Richmond Heights for the protection
of water resources; and
2. Minimize
land development within such buffers by establishing buffer zone requirements
and by requiring authorization for any such activities.
[Ord. No. 5075 §1, 7-2-2008]
This Chapter is not intended to interfere with, abrogate or
annul any other ordinance, rule or regulation, Statute or other provision
of law. The requirements of this Chapter should be considered minimum
requirements, and where any provision of this Chapter imposes restrictions
different from those imposed by any other ordinance, rule, regulation
or other provision of law, whichever provisions are more restrictive
or impose higher protective standards for human health or the environment
shall be considered to take precedence.