§ 20-482. Shoreland alterations.

(a)

Generally . Alterations of vegetation and topography shall be regulated to prevent erosion into public waters, fix nutrients, preserve shoreland aesthetics, preserve historic values, prevent bank slumping, and protect fish and wildlife habitat. Vegetation shall include, but not be limited to, grasses, forbs, shrubs, trees and vines.

(b)

Vegetation alterations .

(1)

Vegetation alteration necessary for the construction of structures and sewage treatment systems and the construction of roads and parking areas regulated by section 20-484 of this ordinance are exempt from the following vegetation alteration standards:

(2)

Removal or alteration of vegetation is allowed subject to the following standards:

a.

Intensive vegetation clearing within the shore and bluff impact zones and on steep slopes is not allowed. Intensive vegetation clearing for forest land conversion to another use outside of these areas is allowable if permitted as part of a development approved by the city council if an erosion control and sedimentation plan is developed and approved by the soil and water conservation district in which the property is located.

b.

In shore and bluff impact zones and on steep slopes, limited clearing of trees and shrubs and cutting, pruning, and trimming of trees is allowed to provide a view of the water from the principal dwelling site and to accommodate the placement of stairways and landings, picnic areas, access paths, beach and watercraft access areas, and permitted water-oriented accessory structures or facilities, provided that:

1.

The screening of structures, vehicles, or other facilities as viewed from the water, assuming leaf-on conditions, is not substantially reduced;

2.

Along rivers and streams, existing shading of water surfaces is preserved;

3.

The above provisions are not applicable to the removal of trees, limbs, or branches that are dead, diseased, or pose safety hazards; and

4.

The clearing shall be limited to a strip 30 percent of lot width or 30 feet, whichever is lesser, parallel to the shoreline and extending inward within the shore and bluff impact zones.

c.

In no case shall clear cutting be permitted.

(Ord. No. 217, § 4, 8-22-94; Ord. No. 251, § 1, 4-8-96; Ord. No. 377, § 58, 5-24-04)