[R.O. 2013 §522.010; Ord. No. 1755 §§1 — 2, 4-21-2008]
This Chapter shall be known as the "Valley Park Stream Buffer
Protection Ordinance".
[R.O. 2013 §522.020; Ord. No. 1755 §§1 — 2, 4-21-2008]
A.
Findings. Whereas, the City of Valley Park 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 storm water;
3.
Reducing erosion and controlling sedimentation;
4.
Protecting and stabilizing stream banks;
5.
Providing for infiltration of storm water 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:
[R.O. 2013 §522.030; Ord. No. 1755 §§1 — 2, 4-21-2008]
As used in this Chapter, the following terms shall have these
prescribed meanings:
With respect to a stream, a natural or enhanced vegetated area (established by Section 522.050(A) below) lying adjacent to the stream.
Any land area susceptible to flooding, which would have at
least a one percent (1%) probability of flooding occurrence in any
calendar year based on the basin being fully developed as shown on
the current land use plan; i.e., the regulatory flood.
Any man-made paved, hardened or structural surface regardless
of material. Impervious cover includes, but is not limited to, rooftops,
buildings, streets, roads, decks, swimming pools and any concrete
or asphalt.
Any land change including, but not limited to, clearing,
grubbing, stripping, removal of vegetation, dredging, grading, excavating,
transporting and filling of land, construction, paving and any other
installation of impervious cover.
Those actions or activities which comprise, facilitate or
result in land development.
Any land or vegetation change, including, but not limited
to, clearing, grubbing, stripping, removal of vegetation, dredging,
grading, excavating, transporting and filling of land, that do not
involve construction, paving or any other installation of impervious
cover.
Those actions or activities which comprise, facilitate or
result in land disturbance.
Any plot, lot or acreage shown as a unit on the latest County
tax assessment records.
The permit issued by the Valley Park Building Commissioner
required for undertaking any land development activity.
Any individual, partnership, firm, association, joint venture,
public or private corporation, trust, estate, commission, board, public
or private institution, utility, cooperative, City, County or other
political subdivision of the State, any interstate body or any other
legal entity.
With respect to a stream, the combined areas of all required
buffers and setbacks applicable to such stream.
Belonging or related to the bank of a river, stream, lake,
pond or impoundment.
With respect to a stream, the area established by Section 522.050(A)(2) extending beyond any buffer applicable to the stream.
Any stream beginning at:
The sloping land that contains the stream channel and the
normal flows of the stream. Where no established top-of-bank can be
determined, the stream bank will be the "ordinary high water mark"
as defined by the Corps of Engineers in Title 33 of the Code of Federal
Regulation, Part 328.3.
The portion of a watercourse that contains the base flow
of the stream.
[R.O. 2013 §522.040; Ord. No. 1755 §§1 — 2, 4-21-2008]
A.
This Chapter shall apply to all land development activity on property containing a stream protection area as defined in Section 522.030 of this Chapter. These requirements are in addition to, and do not replace or supersede, any other applicable buffer or floodplain requirements established under State law and approval or exemption from these requirements do not constitute approval or exemption from buffer requirements established under State law or from other applicable local, State or Federal regulations.
B.
Grandfather Provisions. This Chapter shall not apply to
the following activities:
1.
Work consisting of the repair or maintenance of any lawful use of
land that is zoned and approved for such use on or before the effective
date of this Chapter.
2.
Existing development and ongoing land disturbance activities, including,
but not limited to, existing agriculture, silviculture, landscaping,
gardening and lawn maintenance, except that new development or land
disturbance activities on such properties will be subject to all applicable
buffer requirements.
3.
Any land development activity that is under construction, fully approved
for development, scheduled for permit approval or has been submitted
for approval as of the effective date of this Chapter.
4.
Land development activity that has not been submitted for approval,
but that is part of a larger master development plan, such as for
an office park or other phased development that has been previously
approved within two (2) years of the effective date of this Chapter.
C.
Exemptions. The following specific activities are exempt
from this Chapter. Exemption of these activities does not constitute
an exemption for any other activity proposed on a property.
1.
Activities for the purpose of building one (1) of the following:
a.
A stream crossing by a driveway, transportation route or utility
line;
b.
Public water supply intake or public wastewater structures or storm
water outfalls;
c.
Intrusions necessary to provide access to a property;
d.
Public access facilities that must be on the water including boat
ramps, docks, foot trails leading directly to the river, fishing platforms
and overlooks;
e.
Unpaved foot trails and paths;
f.
Activities to restore and enhance stream bank stability, vegetation,
water quality and/or aquatic habitat, so long as native vegetation
and bioengineering techniques are used.
2.
Public sewer line easements. This includes such impervious cover as is necessary for the operation and maintenance of the utility including, but not limited to, manholes, vents and valve structures. This exemption shall not be construed as allowing the construction of roads, bike paths or other transportation routes in such easements, regardless of paving material, except for access for the uses specifically cited in Section 522.040(C)(1) above.
3.
Land development activities within a right-of-way existing at the
time this Chapter takes effect or approved under the terms of this
Chapter.
4.
Within an easement of any utility existing at the time this Chapter
takes effect or approved under the terms of this Chapter, land disturbance
activities and such impervious cover as is necessary for the operation
and maintenance of the utility including, but not limited to, manholes,
vents and valve structures.
5.
Emergency work necessary to preserve life or property. However, when
emergency work is performed under this Section, the person performing
it shall report such work to the Building Commissioner on the next
business day after commencement of the work. Within ten (10) days
thereafter, the person shall apply for a permit and perform such work
within such time period as may be determined by the Building Commissioner
to be reasonably necessary to correct any impairment such emergency
work may have caused to the water conveyance capacity, stability or
water quality of the protection area.
6.
Forestry and silviculture activities on land that is zoned for forestry,
silvicultural or agricultural uses and are not incidental to other
land development activity. If such activity results in land disturbance
in the buffer that would otherwise be prohibited, then no other land
disturbing activity other than normal forest management practices
will be allowed on the entire property for three (3) years after the
end of the activities that intruded on the buffer.
7.
Any activities approved under a 404 permit issued by the Corps of
Engineers and 401 water quality certification issued by the Missouri
Department of Natural Resources.
8.
After the effective date of this Chapter, it shall apply to new subdividing
and platting activities.
9.
Any land development activity within a buffer established hereunder or any impervious cover within a setback established hereunder is prohibited unless a variance is granted pursuant to Section 522.050(B) below.
[R.O. 2013 §522.050; Ord. No. 1755 §§1 — 2, 4-21-2008]
A.
Buffer And Setback Requirements. All land development activity
subject to this Chapter shall meet the following requirements:
1.
For streams depicted as a solid blue line on the U.S.G.S. map, an
undisturbed natural vegetative buffer shall be maintained for fifty
(50) feet, measured horizontally, on both banks (as applicable) of
the stream as measured from the top of the stream bank. For all other
streams subject to this Chapter, an undisturbed natural vegetative
buffer shall be maintained for twenty-five (25) feet, measured horizontally,
on both banks (as applicable) of the stream as measured from the top
of the stream bank.
2.
An additional setback shall be maintained for twenty-five (25) feet,
measured horizontally, beyond the undisturbed natural vegetative buffer,
in which all impervious cover shall be prohibited. Grading, filling
and earthmoving shall be minimized within the setback.
3.
No septic tanks or septic tank drain fields shall be permitted within
the buffer or the setback.
B.
Variance Procedures. Variances from the above buffer and
setback requirements may be granted in accordance with the following
provisions:
1.
Where a parcel was platted prior to the effective date of this Chapter,
and its shape, topography or other existing physical condition prevents
land development consistent with this Chapter, and either the Building
Commissioner finds and determines that the requirements of this Chapter
prohibit the otherwise lawful use of the property by the owner, the
Valley Park Board of Adjustment may grant a variance from the buffer
and setback requirements hereunder, provided such variance requires
mitigation measures to offset the effects of any proposed land development
on the parcel.
2.
Except as provided above, the Valley Park Board of Adjustment shall
grant no variance from any provision of this Chapter without a public
hearing on the application for variance and authorizing the granting
of the variance by an affirmative vote of the Board of Adjustment.
The Board of Adjustment shall give public notice of each such public
hearing in a newspaper of general circulation within Valley Park.
The Board of Adjustment may require that the applicant post a sign
giving notice of the proposed variance and the public hearing. If
so deemed, the sign shall be of a size and posted in such a location
on the property as to be clearly visible from the primary adjacent
road right-of-way.
Variances will be considered only in the following cases:
a.
When a property's shape, topography or other physical conditions
existing at the time of the adoption of this Chapter prevents land
development unless a buffer variance is granted.
b.
Unusual circumstances when strict adherence to the minimal buffer
requirements in the ordinance would create an extreme hardship.
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Variances will not be considered when, following adoption of
this Chapter, actions of any property owner of a given property have
created conditions of a hardship on that property.
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3.
At a minimum, a variance request shall include the following information:
a.
A site map that includes locations of all streams, wetlands, floodplain
boundaries and other natural features as determined by field survey;
b.
A description of the shape, size, topography, slope, soils, vegetation
and other physical characteristics of the property;
c.
A detailed site plan that shows the locations of all existing and
proposed structures and other impervious cover, the limits of all
existing and proposed land disturbance, both inside and outside the
buffer and setback. The exact area of the buffer to be affected shall
be accurately and clearly indicated;
d.
Documentation of unusual hardship should the buffer be maintained;
e.
At least one (1) alternative plan, which does not include a buffer
or setback intrusion, or an explanation of why such a site plan is
not possible;
f.
A calculation of the total area and length of the proposed intrusion;
g.
A storm water management site plan, if applicable; and
h.
Proposed mitigation, if any, for the intrusion. If no mitigation
is proposed, the request must include an explanation of why none is
being proposed.
4.
The following factors will be considered in determining whether to
issue a variance:
a.
The shape, size, topography, slope, soils, vegetation and other physical
characteristics of the property;
b.
The locations of all streams on the property, including along property
boundaries;
c.
The location and extent of the proposed buffer or setback intrusion;
d.
Whether alternative designs are possible which require less intrusion
or no intrusion;
e.
The long-term and construction water-quality impacts of the proposed
variance; and
f.
Whether issuance of the variance is at least as protective of natural
resources and the environment.
[R.O. 2013 §522.060; Ord. No. 1755 §§1 — 2, 4-21-2008]
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.
[R.O. 2013 §522.070; Ord. No. 1755 §§1 — 2, 4-21-2008]
A.
Any
permit applications for property requiring buffers and setbacks hereunder
must include the following:
1.
A site plan showing:
a.
The location of all streams on the property;
b.
Limits of required stream buffers and setbacks on the property;
c.
Buffer zone topography with contour lines at no greater than five
(5) foot contour intervals;
d.
Delineation of forested and open areas in the buffer zone;
e.
Detailed plans of all proposed land development in the buffer and
of all proposed impervious cover within the setback;
f.
A description of all proposed land development within the buffer
and setback; and
g.
Any other documentation that the Building Commissioner may reasonably
deem necessary for review of the application and to insure that the
buffer zone ordinance is addressed in the approval process.
2.
All buffer and setback areas must be recorded on the final plat of
the property following plan approval. A note to reference the vegetated
buffer shall state: "There shall be no clearing, grading, construction
or disturbance of vegetation except as permitted by Stream Buffer
Protection Ordinance No. 1755".
[R.O. 2013 §522.080; Ord. No. 1755 §§1 — 2, 4-21-2008]
Neither the issuance of a development permit nor compliance
with the conditions thereof, nor with the provisions of this Chapter
shall relieve any person from any responsibility otherwise imposed
by law for damage to persons or property; nor shall the issuance of
any permit hereunder serve to impose any liability upon Valley Park,
its officers or employees for injury or damage to persons or property.
[R.O. 2013 §522.090; Ord. No. 1755 §§1 — 2, 4-21-2008]
A.
The
Valley Park Building Commissioner may cause inspections of the work
in the buffer or setback to be made periodically during the course
thereof and shall make a final inspection following completion of
the work. The permittee shall assist the Building Commissioner in
making such inspections. The City shall have the Building Commissioner
conduct such investigations as it may reasonably deem necessary to
carry out its duties as prescribed in this Chapter and for this purpose
to enter at reasonable time upon any property, public or private,
for the purpose of investigating and inspecting the sites of any land
development activities within the protection area.
B.
No
person shall refuse entry or access to any authorized representative
or agent who requests entry for purposes of inspection and who presents
appropriate credentials, nor shall any person obstruct, hamper or
interfere with any such representative while in the process of carrying
out official duties.
[R.O. 2013 §522.100; Ord. No. 1755 §§1 — 2, 4-21-2008]
A.
Any
action or inaction which violates the provisions of this Chapter or
the requirements of an approved site plan or permit may be subject
to the enforcement actions outlined in this Section. Any such action
or inaction which is continuous with respect to time is deemed to
be a public nuisance and may be abated by injunctive or other equitable
relief. The imposition of any of the penalties described below shall
not prevent such equitable relief.
B.
Notice Of Violation. If the Building Commissioner determines
that an applicant or other responsible person has failed to comply
with the terms and conditions of a permit, an approved site plan or
the provisions of this Chapter, it shall issue a written notice of
violation to such applicant or other responsible person. Where a person
is engaged in activity covered by this Chapter without having first
secured the appropriate permit therefor, the notice of violation shall
be served on the owner or the responsible person in charge of the
activity being conducted on the site. The notice of violation shall
contain:
1.
The name and address of the owner or the applicant or the responsible
person;
2.
The address or other description of the site upon which the violation
is occurring;
3.
A statement specifying the nature of the violation;
4.
A description of the remedial measures necessary to bring the action
or inaction into compliance with the permit, the approved site plan
or this Chapter and the date for the completion of such remedial action;
5.
A statement of the penalty or penalties that may be assessed against
the person to whom the notice of violation is directed; and
6.
A statement that the determination of violation may be appealed to
the Valley Park Board of Aldermen by filing a written notice of appeal
within thirty (30) days after the notice of violation (except that
in the event the violation constitutes an immediate danger to public
health or public safety, twenty-four (24) hours' notice shall be sufficient).
C.
Penalties. In the event the remedial measures described
in the notice of violation have not been completed by the date set
forth for such completion in the notice of violation, any one (1)
or more of the following actions or penalties may be taken or assessed
against the person to whom the notice of violation was directed. Before
taking any of the following actions or imposing any of the following
penalties, the Building Commissioner shall first notify the applicant
or other responsible person in writing of its intended action and
shall provide a reasonable opportunity of not less than ten (10) days
(except that in the event the violation constitutes an immediate danger
to public health or public safety, twenty-four (24) hours' notice
shall be sufficient) to cure such violation. In the event the applicant
or other responsible person fails to cure such violation after such
notice and cure period, the Building Commissioner may take any one
(1) or more of the following actions or impose any one (1) or more
of the following penalties.
1.
Stop work order. The Building Commissioner may issue
a stop work order which shall be served on the applicant or other
responsible person. The stop work order shall remain in effect until
the applicant or other responsible person has taken the remedial measures
set forth in the notice of violation or has otherwise cured the violation
or violations described therein, provided the stop work order may
be withdrawn or modified to enable the applicant or other responsible
person to take necessary remedial measures to cure such violation
or violations.
2.
Withhold certificate of occupancy. The Building
Commissioner may refuse to issue a certificate of occupancy for the
building or other improvements constructed or being constructed on
the site until the applicant or other responsible person has taken
the remedial measures set forth in the notice of violation or has
otherwise cured the violations described therein.
3.
Suspension, revocation or modification of permit. The Building Commissioner may suspend, revoke or modify the permit
authorizing the land development project. A suspended, revoked or
modified permit may be reinstated after the applicant or other responsible
person has taken the remedial measures set forth in the notice of
violation or has otherwise cured the violations described therein,
provided such permit may be reinstated (upon such conditions as the
Building Commissioner may deem necessary) to enable the applicant
or other responsible person to take the necessary remedial measures
to cure such violations.
4.
Civil penalties. In the event the applicant or
other responsible person fails to take the remedial measures set forth
in the notice of violation or otherwise fails to cure the violations
described therein within ten (10) days (or such greater period as
the Building Commissioner shall deem appropriate) (except that in
the event the violation constitutes an immediate danger to public
health or public safety, twenty-four (24) hours' notice shall be sufficient)
after the Building Commissioner has taken one (1) or more of the actions
described above, the Valley Park Prosecuting Attorney may impose a
penalty not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500.00) (depending on
the severity of the violation) for each day the violation remains
unremedied after receipt of the notice of violation.
5.
Criminal penalties. For intentional and flagrant
violations of this Chapter, the Police or court may issue a citation
to the applicant or other responsible person, requiring such person
to appear in the Municipal Court of Valley Park to answer charges
for such violation. Upon conviction, such person shall be punished
by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) or imprisonment
for ninety (90) days, or both. Each act of violation and each day
upon which any violation shall occur shall constitute a separate offense.
[R.O. 2013 §522.110; Ord. No. 1755 §§1 — 2, 4-21-2008]
A.
Administrative Appeal. Any person aggrieved by a decision
or order of the Building Commissioner may appeal in writing within
thirty (30) days after the issuance of such decision or order to the
Valley Park Board of Adjustment and shall be entitled to a hearing
before the Board of Adjustment of Valley Park within thirty (30) days
of receipt of the written appeal.
B.
Judicial Review. Any person aggrieved by a decision or order
of the Building Commissioner, after exhausting all administrative
remedies, shall have the right to appeal de novo to the Circuit Court
of St. Louis County.
[R.O. 2013 §522.120; Ord. No. 1755 §§1 — 2, 4-21-2008]
If any Article, Section, Subsection, paragraph, clause, phrase
or provision of this Chapter shall be adjudged invalid or held unconstitutional,
such decision shall not affect or invalidate the remaining portions
of this Chapter.
