The purpose of the Aquatic Natural Zone is to assure the protection
of significant fish and wildlife habitats; of continued biological
productivity within the estuary; and of scientific, research, and
educational needs. These areas are managed to preserve natural resources
in recognition of dynamic, natural, geological, and evolutionary processes.
Natural aquatic areas include all major tidal marshes, tide flats,
and seagrass and algae beds. The designation is intended to preserve
those natural aquatic resource systems existing relatively free of
human influence.
The following uses and activities and their accessory uses and activities are permitted in the A-3 zone if the Community Development Director determines that the uses conform to the standards in Section
16.80.040, applicable Development Code standards, and other City laws:
A. Low-intensity
water-dependent recreation.
C. Navigational
aid, such as beacons and buoys.
D. Vegetative
shoreline stabilization.
E. Emergency
repair to existing dikes.
F. Marine
research and education.
G. Piling
installation as necessary for permitted uses.
H. Similar
uses as those listed in this section.
The following uses and activities and their accessory uses and activities may be permitted in the A-3 zone when approved under Chapter
16.220, Conditional Use Permits. They are also subject to the provisions of Section
16.80.040, Development Standards. These uses and activities are also subject to a resource capability determination (Section
16.164.050), and an impact assessment (Section
16.164.010).
A. Maintenance
and Repair of Existing Structures or Facilities. Temporary encroachments
in the floodway for the purposes of bridge construction and repair:
1. This use shall comply with Chapter
16.88 (Flood Hazard Overlay (FHO) District) prior to issuance of any permits.
2. The
temporary permit shall state the number of days the structure or other
development will be on the site. If a longer period is required, a
new permit shall be issued.
3. A
flood warning system for the project should be in place to allow equipment
to be evacuated from the site and placed outside the floodplain.
4. Placement
of equipment in the floodway should be restricted to only equipment
which is absolutely necessary for the purposes of the project. All
other accessory equipment and temporary structures (i.e., construction
trailers) should be restricted from the floodway. Structures should
be placed on site so that flood damages are minimized. Anchoring the
construction trailers in case evacuation is not practical.
B. Fill as necessary for the conditional use in subsection
A of this section, pursuant to the applicable standards in Chapter
16.160.
C. Communication facilities subject to the standards of Chapter
16.148.
E. Pipeline,
cable and utility crossing.
F. Dredging as necessary for conditional uses in subsections
A through
E of this section, pursuant to the applicable standards in Section
16.160.040.
G. Aquaculture
facilities limited to temporary removable structures which require
no dredge or fill.
H. Piling
as necessary for conditional uses as listed.
I. Similar
uses as those listed in this section.
The following standards are applicable in the A-3 zone:
A. All uses and activities shall satisfy applicable Columbia River Estuary Shoreland and Aquatic Area Development Standards in Chapter
16.160.
B. A proposal
involving several uses shall be reviewed in aggregate under the more
stringent procedure.
C. All
applicable policies in the City's Comprehensive Plan, mediation panel
agreement and goal exceptions shall be met.
D. All
other applicable Development Code requirements shall also be satisfied.
E. A use which requires new dredging, fill, in-water structures, riprap, new log storage areas, water intake, in-water disposal of dredged material, beach nourishment, or other activities which could affect the estuary's physical processes or biological resources is subject to an impact assessment (Section
16.164.010).
F. Uses
that are not water-dependent shall be located either on a floating
structure or on pilings, and shall not increase the need for fill
if in association with a water-dependent use located on fill.
G. Uses
that are not water-dependent shall not preclude or conflict with existing
or probable future water-dependent uses on the site or in the vicinity.
H. Maximum
height of structures shall by 35 feet above MLLW
I. Uses that are water-dependent and/or water-related must meet the criteria in Section
16.160.080.
J. Uses and activities permitted under Section
16.80.020 of this chapter are subject to the public notice provisions of Section
16.208.040 if an impact assessment is required pursuant to Sections
16.164.010 through
16.164.050, or if a determination of consistency with the purpose of the A-3 zone is required pursuant to Section
16.164.020, or if the Community Development Director determines that the permit decision will require interpretation or the exercise of factual, policy or legal judgment.
K. All
new sewer and water connections for a proposed development shall comply
with all City regulations.