Title
RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT THE APPOVAL OF REVISIONS TO THE CITY OF ANN ARBOR WETLANDS PRESERVATION ORDINANcE _ CHAPTER 60
Memorandum
Attached for your approval is a resolution supporting City Council adoption of the revisions to the city of Ann Arbor Wetlands Preservation Ordinance
Staff
Prepared by Systems Planning Unit
Body
Whereas, the preservation and enhancement of wetlands is essential to maintaining and improving the city’s aesthetic character, ecological stability, economic well-being and quality of life;
Whereas, wetlands provide many benefits to the city, including, flood control, stormwater storage and release, groundwater recharge and water quality improvements; and
Whereas, wetlands are protected to sustain these benefits and to also help reduce damage to aquatic resources, minimize the loss of native plants and animals, preserve biodiversity, and minimize the loss of wildlife habitat;
Whereas, the Natural Features Committee of the Environmental commission has been working with City Staff to draft revisions to the Wetlands Preservation Ordinance- Chapter 60;
Whereas, the proposed changes to the Wetlands Preservation Ordinance are summarized as follows:
- add wetland protection priorities currently in Chapter 57 supplemental Land Development Regulations to Chapter 60 and redefine to provide a clear definition of protection priorities;
- establish a wetland determination expiration date and require that wetlands be re-evaluated and re-flagged if wetland permit approval is not obtained within 2 years;
- broaden types of permitted mitigation activities to include establishment, preservation and restoration;
- require financial assurances for mitigation activities, and tie their release to wetland performance standards and successful completion of the monitoring plan;
- connect wetland mitigation ratios to wetland protection priorities, and establish that wetland disturbance is not permitted in the highest protection priority wetlands;
- establish performance standards to ensure that wetland mitigation activities are successful.
RESOLVED, The City of Ann Arbor Environmental Commission recommends that Ann Arbor City Council approve the proposed revisions to the Wetlands Preservation Ordinance - Chapter 60.