7.4 WETLAND RESTORATION PLAN PROCEDURE

7.4.1 Purpose. The purpose of these procedures is to provide regulations for the development, content, review, and approval of a wetland restoration plan in conjunction with required Coastal Development Permits. (Former Section CZ#A315-9(C)(1))

7.4.2 Applicability. These procedures shall apply to all wetland restoration which is required by the regulations of this division. (Former Section CZ#A315-9(C)(2))

7.4.3 Submittal of Tentative Restoration Plan. Whenever wetland restoration is required by this division, fifteen (15) copies of a Tentative Wetland Restoration Plan shall be submitted to the Department along with the required permit application, and shall be accompanied by a fee established by the Board of Supervisors. The Department shall not accept the tentative restoration plan for review if it does not comply with the form,

The Humboldt County Code is current through Ordinance 2784, passed March 10, 2026.

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information, analysis, and other requirements for the content of a tentative restoration plan. (Former Section CZ#A315-9(C)(3))

7.4.4 Tentative Restoration Plan Content. The restoration plan shall include a detailed description that includes provisions for restoration to at least the minimum required standards and permanent protection of the restoration area. The restoration plan shall also include a description of how the functional capacity of the wetland or estuary will be maintained or enhanced. At a minimum, the restoration plan shall include; (Former Section CZ#A315-9(C)(4))

7.4.4.1 Resource Inventory and Wetland Impact Analysis. A complete inventory and assessment of plant, fish, and wildlife habitat values which would be affected by the dredging, diking or filling, including: (Former Section CZ#A315-9(C)(4)(a)(i-iv))

7.4.4.1.1 Any changes in plant and animal natural species diversity, abundance, and composition and an assessment of how, if at all, these affect the long-term stability of the ecosystem (i.e., natural species, diversity, abundance and composition are generally unchanged as a result of the project);

7.4.4.1.2 Any impacts to rare or endangered species or their habitat;

7.4.4.1.3 Any impacts to a species or habitat essential to the natural biological functioning of the wetland or the estuary ecosystem; and,

7.4.4.1.4 Any significant reduction to consumptive values such as fishing, hunting, claming, or nonconsumptive values such as water quality and research opportunity, values of the wetland or estuarine ecosystem.

(Former Section CZ A315- 9(C)(4)(b)(i-ii))

7.4.4.2.1 A clear statement of the habitat restoration and management proposed, including their ability to compensate for the habitat damage described in the Resource Inventory and Wetland Impact Analysis in conformance with the required standards; and

7.4.4.2.2 Development of specific biological criteria for restoration site and design.

7.4.4.3.1 A preliminary analysis of alternative restoration sites and designs for restoration which satisfy both the biological objectives as well as the applicable hydrologic, soils, and other engineering criteria;

7.4.4.3.2 A ranking of those restoration alternatives based upon the biological engineering feasibility and cost assessment;

7.4.4.3.3 A recommended restoration site and project design, including map(s) at no greater than 1" = 200' (one inch is equal to two hundred (200) feet) scale; and

7.4.4.3.4 A preliminary proposal for the long term management of the preferred restoration alternative.

The Humboldt County Code is current through Ordinance 2784, passed March 10, 2026.

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7.4.4.4 Tentative Restoration Schedule. At a minimum, restoration shall occur simultaneously with project construction and be completed prior to commencement of operation of the proposed project. (Former Section CZ#A315- 9(C)(4)(d))

The

applicant shall coordinate the development of the Tentative Restoration Plan with affected local, state, and federal agencies. The Department shall aid the applicant in identifying the affected agencies and in providing County wetland policies and standards. (Former Section CZ#A315-9(C)(5))

7.4.6 Review of Tentative Restoration Plan. The County shall review the Tentative Restoration Plan in conjunction with the required Coastal Development Permit and with the permit application procedures which begin at Section 312-5, Filing Applications for Permits and Variances. (Former Section CZ#A315-9(C)(6))

7.4.7 Content of Required Final Restoration Plan. A Final Restoration Plan shall be prepared by the applicant based on the Hearing Officer’s approved or conditionally approved tentative restoration plan. In addition, the final plan shall include all of the following: (Former Section CZ#A315-9(C)(7)(a-c))

7.4.7.1 A complete statement of the restoration objectives.

7.4.7.2 A complete description of the restoration site including a map of the project site, at a mapping scale no smaller than 1" = 200' (one inch is equal to two hundred (200) feet) scale).

7.4.7.3 A complete restoration description including scaled, detailed diagrams, and including:

7.4.7.3.1 A grading plan depicting any alterations to topography, natural land forms, and drainage channels and areas where existing fill and debris will be removed;

7.4.7.3.2 A vegetation plan including a list of plant species to be eliminated and a list of plant species to be introduced on the restoration site, and describing the methods and proposing a schedule for eliminating and establishing vegetation;

7.4.7.3.3 A clear statement of when restoration work will commence and be completed;

7.4.7.3.4 Provisions of public access, where appropriate, for public recreation, scientific, and educational use; and

7.4.7.3.5 Other measures necessary to achieve restoration objectives and to protect the restoration site from adverse impacts of adjacent development and use.

The final plan shall describe the

applicant’s responsibilities in assuring that the project will be successful, include monitoring and evaluation, and that the restored area is maintained consistent with the plan’s restoration objectives. The Plan shall include provisions for making repairs or modifications to the restoration site necessary to meet the project objectives. The final plan shall provide either that the restoration site shall be owned in fee by an agency or

The Humboldt County Code is current through Ordinance 2784, passed March 10, 2026.

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non-profit organization having among its principal purposes the conservation and management of fish and wildlife, or other habitat resources, or shall provide for dedication of an open space or conservation easement over the restoration area to such an agency or organization. (Former Section CZ#A315-9(C)(7)(d))

7.4.8.1 Following staff review of the final restoration plan for conformance with the approved or conditionally approved Tentative Restoration Plan, the Director shall determine if the Final Restoration Plan is in substantial conformance with the approved tentative plan. (Former Section CZ#A315-9(C)(8)(a))

7.4.8.2 Notice of Final Restoration Plan submittal shall be in accordance with the requirements of Section 312-8, Public Notice Procedures. (Former Section CZ#A315-9(C)(8)(b))

7.4.8.3 The Director’s determination that the Final Restoration Plan is in substantial conformance with the approved tentative plan may be appealed pursuant to Section 312-13, Appeal Procedures. (Former Section CZ#A315-9(C)(8)(c))