City of Richmond Heights, MO Article I Title, Findings and Purposes

Section 243.010 Title.

[Ord. No. 5075 §1, 7-2-2008]

This Chapter shall be known as the "Richmond Heights Stream Buffer Protection Ordinance".

Section 243.020 Findings and Purposes.

[Ord. No. 5075 §1, 7-2-2008]

A. Findings. Whereas, the City Council of Richmond Heights 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; and

11. Providing opportunities for the protection and restoration of greenspace.

B. Purposes. 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 Richmond Heights 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.

Section 243.030 Compatibility With Other Regulations and Requirements.

[Ord. No. 5075 §1, 7-2-2008]

This Chapter is not intended to interfere with, abrogate or annul any other ordinance, rule or regulation, Statute or other provision of law. The requirements of this Chapter should be considered minimum requirements, and where any provision of this Chapter imposes restrictions different from those imposed by any other ordinance, rule, regulation or other provision of law, whichever provisions are more restrictive or impose higher protective standards for human health or the environment shall be considered to take precedence.