As a condition of approving the alteration or relocation of a wetland (or portion of wetland), the city shall require that an area equal to or larger than the altered portion of the wetland be provided as compensation for wetland impacts, so that there is no net loss of wetlands. All wetlands which are created as mitigation for filling shall be relocated either within the same drainage basin as defined by the city’s comprehensive flood and drainage management plan, or using mitigation banks and in-lieu fee programs. Mitigation banks and in-lieu fee programs are preferred as compensation for wetland impacts over permittee-responsible mitigation if the wetland alteration falls within the service area of an existing mitigation bank of in-lieu fee program. In the case of permittee responsible mitigation, mitigation actions are preferred to follow this order: restoration, creation, and enhancement.

The ratios listed in the table below apply to creation or reestablishment, rehabilitation only, or enhancement only of the altered or relocated wetlands. The first number specifies the acreage of replacement wetlands required, and the second number specifies the acreage of wetlands altered or relocated.

The city may increase the ratios under the following circumstances: