[Amended 10-20-2020 by Ord. No. 20-24]
This chapter for floodplain and wetland protection is adopted
pursuant to the authorization in §§ 61.35 and 62.23,
59.69, 59.692, and the requirements in § 87.30, Wis. Stats.
Uncontrolled development and use of the wetlands, floodplains,
rivers and streams and the pollution of the navigable waters of the
City of Watertown would adversely affect the public health, safety,
convenience and general welfare and impair the tax base. The Legislature
of Wisconsin has delegated responsibility to all municipalities to
further the maintenance of safe and healthful conditions; prevent
and control water pollution; protect spawning grounds, fish and aquatic
life; control building sites, placement of structures and land uses;
and preserve shore cover and natural beauty.
To promote the public health, safety, convenience and general
welfare and protect life, health and property, this chapter has been
established to:
A.
Protect life, health and property;
B.
Maintain the stormwater and floodwater storage capacity of wetlands;
C.
Prevent and control water pollution by preserving wetlands which
filter or store sediments, nutrients, heavy metals or organic compounds
that would otherwise drain into waters of the state;
D.
Protect fish spawning grounds, fish, aquatic life and wildlife by
preserving wetlands and other fish and aquatic habitat;
E.
Prohibit certain uses detrimental to the wetland areas;
F.
Preserve shore cover and natural beauty by restricting wetland excavation,
filling and other earthmoving activities;
G.
Minimize expenditures of public monies for costly flood control projects;
H.
Reduce rescue and relief efforts, generally undertaken at the expense
of the taxpaying public;
I.
Prevent business interruptions, which usually result in the loss
of local incomes;
J.
Reduce damage to public facilities such as utilities, municipal buildings,
streets and bridges which may be located in floodplains;
K.
Prevent the occurrence of future flood blight areas on floodplains;
L.
Discourage the victimization of unwary land and home buyers;
M.
Prevent increases in regional flood heights which could increase
damage during floods and which may result in conflicts or litigation
between property owners; and
N.
Discourage development in the floodplain if there is any practicable
alternative to locate the activity, use or structure outside of the
floodplain.
This chapter shall be known as the "Floodplain and Wetland Zoning
Ordinance for the City of Watertown."
