Ordinance No._____- 2012 AN ORDINANCE ... - San Juan County

Page 35 of 56
Ord. ____-2012
Figure 3.2
Procedure for Determining Buffers for Aquatic Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Areas
Is the proposed development, removal of vegetation or other modification located in a stream, lake,
pond designated as a FWHCA, or marine water Is it located within 200 feet of the bank full width of a
stream as defined in WAC 222-16-010 Is it located within 200 feet of the ordinary high water mark
(OHWM) of a lake or pond designated as a FWHCA Is it located within 200 feet of the OHWM of a
marine shoreline
If the response to any of the above questions is yes,
determine whether a coastal geologic buffer is
necessary. If proposed development involves building a
structure within 200 feet of the OHWM of an erodible
marine shoreline (any shoreline thatwhich is not
bedrock), determine whether the site is a geologically
hazardous area, or whether it may provide sediment to
an area with eelgrass, shellfish, spawning or holding
areas for forage fish, mudflats, or intertidal habitats with
vascular plants. If the answer to either question is yes,
qualified professional prepares geotechnical report and
determines appropriate coastal geologic buffer to allow
for natural erosive processes for life of the structure (75
years). In all cases (yes or no response) continue with
the buffer/ tree protection zoneTree Protection Zone
sizing procedure.
If the response to all of the above
questions is no, no further action is
necessary for compliance with
FWHCA protection requirements for
streams, lakes, ponds, and marine
waters. Proceed to evaluate compliance
with protection requirements for other
types of FWHCAs.
Determine the width of the water quality-sensitivity
buffer using the procedures in SJCC 18.30.150
(Wetlands) and Table 3.6 for 70% pollutant removal and
either the normal development or green development
option.
For areas with trees (defined as woody vegetation
exceeding a height of 20 feet), determine the width of
the tree protection zoneTree Protection Zone.
Compare the size of the water quality-sensitivity buffer
to any applicable tree protection zoneTree Protection
Zones and coastal geologic buffers. The required area
that must be protected is the greater of the three
components.
Adjustments. Existing structures and impervious areas
are excluded from the buffer and tree protection
zoneTree Protection Zone. If desired, tree protection
zoneTree Protection Zone may be averaged.
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