§ 7.5-202. Findings and purposes.

(a)

Findings. Whereas, the City of Cartersville finds that buffers adjacent to streams provide numerous benefits including:

(1)

Protecting, restoring and maintaining the chemical, physical and biological integrity of streams and their water resources.

(2)

Removing pollutants delivered in urban stormwater.

(3)

Reducing erosion and controlling sedimentation.

(4)

Protecting and stabilizing stream banks.

(5)

Providing for infiltration of stormwater runoff.

(6)

Maintaining base flow of streams.

(7)

Contributing organic matter that is a source of food and energy for the aquatic ecosystem.

(8)

Providing tree canopy to shade streams and promote desirable aquatic habitat.

(9)

Providing riparian wildlife habitat.

(10)

Furnishing scenic value and recreational opportunity.

(11)

Providing opportunities for the protection and restoration of greenspace.

(b)

Purposes. It is the purpose of this article is to protect the public health, safety, environment and general welfare; to minimize public and private losses due to erosion, siltation and water pollution; and to maintain stream water quality by provisions designed to:

(1)

Create buffer zones along the streams of City of Cartersville for the protection of water resources; and

(2)

Minimize land development within such buffers by establishing buffer zone requirements and by requiring authorization for any such activities.

(Ord. No. 52-06, 8-3-06)