The purpose of this article is to set forth the requirements for the mandatory protection of natural resources and permanently protected green space areas within the jurisdiction of this chapter (see § 500-9). The provisions of this article interact closely with the provisions of § 550-58 (Natural resource disruption and required mitigation standards), § 550-73 (Required natural resources site evaluation), and §§ 550-74 and 550-75 which provide residential and nonresidential development standards. Section 550-76 provides a complete overview of the interrelationship between the above-listed sections. Appendix B provides a table of permitted land uses in permanently protected green space areas.[1] In part, the provisions of this article are designed to
ensure the implementation of the City of Watertown Comprehensive Plan
and §§ 62.231 and 87.30, Wis. Stats.
[1]
Editor's Note: Appendix B is attached to this chapter.
This article contains the standards that govern the protection,
disturbance and mitigation of disruption of all natural resources
and other permanently protected green space areas. The provisions
of this article are intended to supplement those of the City of Watertown,
Dodge and/or Jefferson County, the State of Wisconsin, and the Federal
Government of the United States that pertain to natural resource protection.
Prior to using the provisions of this article to determine the permitted
disruption of such areas, the requirements provided below should be
reviewed. This article recognizes the important and diverse benefits
that natural resource features provide in terms of protecting the
health, safety and general welfare of the community. Each of the following
sections is oriented to each natural resource type and is designed
to accomplish several objectives:
See Chapter 532, Floodplain and Shoreland-Wetland Zoning.
See Chapter 532, Floodplain and Shoreland-Wetland Zoning.
A.
Definition. Drainageways are nonnavigable, aboveground watercourses,
detention basins and/or their environs which are identified by the
presence of one or more of the following:
(1)
All areas within 75 feet of the ordinary high-water mark of a "perennial stream," as shown on a detailed on-site survey prepared by the applicant [see § 550-145C(8)].
(a)
Where an existing development pattern exists, the drainageway
for a proposed principal structure may be reduced to the average drainageway
of the principal structure on each adjacent lot, but the drainageway
may not be reduced to less than 35 feet from the ordinary high-water
mark of any "perennial stream."
[Added 10-17-2017 by Ord.
No. 17-24]
(2)
All areas within 50 feet of the ordinary high-water mark of an "intermittent stream" or "open channel drainageway," as shown on a detailed on-site survey prepared by the applicant [see § 550-145C(8)].
(a)
Where an existing development pattern exists, the drainageway
for a proposed principal structure may be reduced to the average drainageway
of the principal structure on each adjacent lot, but the drainageway
may not be reduced to less than 35 feet from the ordinary high-water
mark of an "intermittent stream" or "open channel drainageway."
[Added 10-17-2017 by Ord.
No. 17-24]
B.
Purpose of drainageway protection requirements. Drainageways serve
in the transporting of surface runoff to downstream areas. As such,
drainageways serve to carry surface waters, supplement floodplain,
wetland and lakeshore water storage functions in heavy storm or melt
events, filter waterborne pollutants and sediments, promote infiltration
and groundwater recharging, and provide a unique habitat at the land/water
margin. Drainageway protection requirements preserve each of these
functions as well as greatly reducing the potential for soil erosion
along drainageways by protecting vegetative ground cover in areas
which are susceptible to variable runoff flows and moderate-to-rapid
water movement.
C.
Determination of drainageway boundaries. General drainageway boundaries are depicted on the Official Zoning Map. Upon the proposal of development activity on any property which contains a drainageway depicted on the Official Zoning Map, the petitioner shall prepare a detailed site analysis per the requirements of § 550-145C(8). This analysis shall depict the location of all drainageway areas on the subject property as related to the provisions of Subsection A above.
D.
Mandatory drainageway protection requirements. Drainageways shall remain in an undisturbed state except for the land uses permitted in Appendix B per the requirements in § 550-58. Vegetation clearing to maintain drainageway functions is permitted with the written approval of the Public Works Director/City Engineer. All areas designated as drainageways shall be located within a public easement or dedication for maintenance purposes to preserve proper drainage flow.
[Amended 7-5-2022 by Ord. No. 22-63]
A.
Definition. Woodlands are areas of trees whose combined canopies cover a minimum of 80% of an area of one acre or more, as shown on a detailed on-site survey prepared by the applicant [see § 550-145C(8)].
B.
Purpose of woodland protection requirements. Woodlands provide a
wide variety of environmental functions. These include atmospheric
benefits such as removing airborne pollutants, carbon dioxide uptake,
oxygen production, and evapotranspiration returns. Water quality benefits
include substantial nutrient uptake rates (particularly for nitrogen
and phosphorus) and surface runoff reduction in terms of both volumes
and velocities. Woodlands provide unique wildlife habitats and food
sources. Woodlands are excellent soil stabilizers, greatly reducing
runoff-related soil erosion. Woodlands also serve to reduce wind velocities
which further reduces soil erosion. Finally, under proper management
techniques, woodlands serve as regenerative fuel sources.
C.
Determination of woodland boundaries. General woodland boundaries are depicted on the Official Zoning Map. Upon the proposal of development activity on any property which contains a woodland depicted on the Official Zoning Map, the petitioner shall prepare a detailed site analysis per the requirements § 550-145C(8). This analysis shall depict the location of all woodland areas on the subject property as related to the provisions of Subsection A above.
A.
Definition. Steep slopes are areas which contain a gradient of 12% or greater (equivalent to a ten-foot elevation change in a distance of 83 feet or less), as shown on a detailed on-site survey prepared by the applicant [see § 550-145C(8)].
B.
Purpose of steep slope protection requirements. Steep slopes are
particularly susceptible to damage resulting from site disruption,
primarily related to soil erosion. Such damage is likely to spread
to areas which were not originally disturbed. Such erosion reduces
the productivity of the soil, results in exacerbated erosion downhill,
and results in increased sedimentation in drainageways, wetlands,
streams, ponds and lakes. Beyond adversely affecting the environmental
functions of these resources areas, such sedimentation also increases
flood hazards by reducing the floodwater storage capacity of hydrological
system components, thus elevating the flood level of the drainage
system in affected areas. Beyond these threats to the public safety,
disruption of steep slopes also increases the likelihood of slippage
and slumping, unstable soil movements which may threaten adjacent
properties, buildings and public facilities such as roads and utilities.
C.
Determination of steep slope boundaries. General steep slope boundaries are depicted on the Official Zoning Map. Upon the proposal of development activity on any property which contains a steep slope depicted on the Official Zoning Map, the petitioner shall prepare a detailed site analysis per the requirements of § 550-145C(8). This analysis shall depict the location of all steep slope areas on the subject property as related to the provisions of Subsection A above.
D.
Mandatory steep slope protection requirements. Steep slopes shall
remain in an undisturbed state except for the land uses permitted
in Appendix B[1] per the requirements of § 550-58.
[1]
Editor's Note: Appendix B is attached to this chapter.
