City of Hazelwood, MO Article II Findings and Purposes

Section 413.010 Findings.

[Ord. No. 3911-07 §1, 12-19-2007]

A. Whereas, the City Council of the City of Hazelwood, Missouri, 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 storm water;

3. Reducing erosion and controlling sedimentation;

4. Protecting and stabilizing stream banks;

5. Providing for infiltration of storm water 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.

Section 413.020 Purposes.

[Ord. No. 3911-07 §1, 12-19-2007]

A. The purpose of this Chapter 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 Hazelwood 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.