17.10.059 Buffer width reductions through enhancement.
At the discretion of the director, and only when buffer averaging would not provide adequate design flexibility, wetland buffer width reductions may be granted concomitant to the development and implementation of a wetland buffer enhancement plan for Category III and IV wetlands only. Approval of a wetland buffer reduction with enhancement proposal shall be limited to a width reduction of not less than 75 percent of the approved buffer width; provided, that:
A. The plan provides evidence that wetland functions and values will be:
1. Increased or retained through plan implementation for those wetlands where existing buffer vegetation is generally intact; or
2. Increased through plan implementation for those wetlands where existing buffer vegetation is nonnative, or inadequate to protect the functions and values of the wetland;
B. The plan requires monitoring and maintenance to ensure success in accordance with LMC 17.10.055; and
C. The plan specifically documents methodology and provides performance standards for assessing increases in wetland buffer functioning as related to:
1. Water quality protection;
2. Maintenance and/or improvements to wildlife habitat;
3. Maintenance of wetland hydrology; and
4. Restricting wetland intrusion and disturbance. (Ord. 3193 § 2, 2016)