17.125.100 Allowed permitted activities in streams, wetlands, and buffers.
The following development activities may occur in wetlands and buffers:
(1) See SMC 17.114.140 for allowed activities. In addition to the provisions of that section, the following apply:
(a) Public and private pedestrian trails (in buffers only). In addition to the provisions of SMC 17.114.140(4)(e), trails proposed in wetland buffers shall be located in the outer 25 percent of the buffer area, the farthest distance from the wetland, and shall be constructed of pervious materials.
(2) Conservation, Preservation, Restoration and/or Enhancement. Restoration and/or enhancement of wetlands or their buffers; provided, that actions do not alter the location, dimensions or size of the wetland and/or buffer; that actions do not alter or disturb existing native vegetation or wildlife habitat attributes; that actions improve and do not reduce the existing functions of the wetland or buffer; and that actions are implemented according to a restoration and/or enhancement plan that has been approved by the city of Stanwood.
(3) Disturbance of Soils. When disturbance of soils is allowed in streams, wetlands or their buffers as part of an authorized, permitted activity or as otherwise allowed in these standards, the following shall apply:
(a) Disturbance of soils is allowed only during the dry season, which is typically regarded as beginning on May 1st and ending on October 1st of each year; provided, that the city of Stanwood may extend or shorten the dry season on a case-by-case basis, based on actual weather conditions.
(b) The soil duff layer in ungraded areas shall remain undisturbed to the maximum extent possible. Where feasible, any soil disturbed shall be redistributed to other nonwetland and stream areas of the project site.
(c) The moisture-holding capacity of the topsoil layer shall be maintained by minimizing soil compaction or reestablishing natural soil structure and infiltrative capacity on all areas of the project area not covered by impervious surfaces.
(d) Erosion and sediment control that meets or exceeds the standards set forth in the city of Stanwood’s stormwater regulations (Chapter 17.140 SMC) shall be provided.
(4) Public and Private Roadway Crossings, Bridges, and Culverts. Construction of public and private roadway crossings and bridges less than or equal to 30 feet wide and culverts less than or equal to 30 feet long, subject to the following standards:
(a) There is no other feasible alternative route with less impact on the wetland or buffer;
(b) Wetland crossings do not result in fill of greater than one-tenth of an acre of wetland; and
(c) Mitigation for impacts is provided pursuant to an approved mitigation plan.
(5) Utility Lines. New utility lines may be permitted to cross wetlands and their buffers if they comply with the following standards:
(a) Critical areas and their buffers shall be avoided to the maximum extent feasible;
(b) Installation under a wetland shall be accomplished when feasible by boring beneath the wetland at a depth sufficient to prevent adverse hydrology impacts;
(c) Mitigation for impacts is provided according to an approved mitigation plan;
(d) Wetland crossings do not result in fill of greater than one-tenth of an acre of wetland; and
(e) Crossings shall be contained within the footprint of an existing street, driveway, or utility crossing where possible.
(6) Modification of Existing Structures. No existing structure may be modified to increase impervious surface in a wetland or buffer.
(7) In the event of a conflict between this section and SMC 17.114.140, this section shall apply. (Ord. 1164 § 4, 2004; Ord. 1110 § 3, 2002; Ord. 929 Ch. 10(G)(8), 1995. Formerly 17.125.080).