This chapter provides standards for the protection of waterway and riparian resources within the town, including the provision of adequate buffer areas between creek corridors and adjacent development, to retain the creek corridors as valuable natural, scenic, and recreational amenities as appropriate.
(Ord. 205 § 1 (Exh. A), 2003)
The provisions of this chapter apply to proposed development, other than public works or infrastructure, on any site adjacent to or crossed by a watercourse that is shown as a blue line on the most recent United States Geological Survey (USGS) 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle map.
(Ord. 205 § 1 (Exh. A), 2003)
The project land use permit application shall include a site-specific streambed analysis prepared by a hydrologist, civil engineer, or other qualified professional approved by the town to identify the precise boundary/top of bank of the waterway. The director may waive this requirement if it is determined that the project, because of its size, location, or design will not have a significant impact on the waterway, or that sufficient information already exists and further analysis is not necessary. A required streambed analysis shall include all information and materials required by the department.
(Ord. 205 § 1 (Exh. A), 2003)
A. 
Waterway Setback Requirement. Proposed structures shall be set back a distance of 2.5 times the height of the stream bank plus thirty feet, or thirty feet outward from the stream bank, whichever distance is greater, as measured from the toe of the stream bank outward. Additional setbacks may be required to preserve existing vegetation or other significant environmental resources along any waterway. Setbacks adjacent to creekside paths or open spaces shall be measured from the outside boundary of the path or open space.
B. 
Use of Required Setback. Paths or trails may be located within a creekside setback; however, no structure, road, parking access, parking spaces, paved areas, or swimming pool shall be constructed within a creek or creekside setback area.
C. 
Alteration of Natural Features. No grading or filling, planting of exotic/non-native or nonriparian plant species, or removal of native vegetation shall occur within a creek or creekside setback area, except where authorized for flood control purposes by the proper permits issued by the California State Department of Fish and Game, all other applicable state and federal agencies having authority over the creek.
D. 
Design of Drainage Improvements. Where drainage improvements are required, they shall be placed in the least visible locations and naturalized through the use of river rock, earthtone concrete, and landscaping with native plant materials.
E. 
Use of Permeable Surfaces. The proposed development should incorporate permeable surfaces (for example, wood decks, sand-joined bricks, and stone walkways) where feasible, to minimize off-site flows and facilitate the absorption of water into the ground.
F. 
Creek Bank Stabilization. Development or land use changes that increase impervious surfaces or sedimentation may result in channel erosion. This may require measures to stabilize creek banks.
1. 
Creek rehabilitation is the preferred method of stabilization, with the objective of maintaining the natural character of the creek and riparian area. Rehabilitation may include enlarging the channel at points of obstruction, clearing obstructions at points of constriction, limiting uses in areas of excessive erosion, and restoring riparian vegetation.
2. 
Concrete channels and other mechanical stabilization measures shall not be allowed unless no other alternative exists.
3. 
If bank stabilization requires other than rehabilitation or vegetative methods, handplaced stone or rock rip-rap are the preferred methods.
G. 
Physical and Visual Access.
1. 
Public access and visibility to creeks should be provided through the use of single-loaded frontage roads adjacent to creeks, but outside of the creek setback. Structures or lots that back-up to creeks or creek frontage roads are discouraged.
2. 
The provision of multipurpose creekside trails and public open space is encouraged. Open space areas should include planting for riparian enhancement with native shrubs and trees, paths and trails, lighting, benches, play and exercise equipment, and trash receptacles outside of the riparian habitat area, where appropriate.
3. 
Where streets are not used, frequent access to creekside trails and public open space should be provided at least every three hundred feet, and may occur at the end of cul-de-sacs.
(Ord. 205 § 1 (Exh. A), 2003)