Humboldt County Municipal Code § 7.4 Wetland Restoration Plan Procedure

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))

These procedures shall apply to all wetland restoration which is required by the regulations

of this division. (Former Section CZ#A315-9(C)(2))

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

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))

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))

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);

consumptive values such as water quality and research opportunity, values of the wetland or estuarine ecosystem.

to compensate for the habitat damage described in the Resource Inventory and Wetland Impact Analysis in conformance with the required standards; and

both the biological objectives as well as the applicable hydrologic, soils, and other engineering criteria;

200' (one inch is equal to two hundred (200) feet) scale; and

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))

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))

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))

no smaller than 1" = 200' (one inch is equal to two hundred (200) feet) scale).

channels and areas where existing fill and debris will be removed;

be introduced on the restoration site, and describing the methods and proposing a schedule for eliminating and establishing vegetation;

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 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))

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))

312-8, Public Notice Procedures. (Former Section CZ#A315-9(C)(8)(b))

approved tentative plan may be appealed pursuant to Section 312-13, Appeal Procedures. (Former Section CZ#A315-9(C)(8)(c))