16.18A.210 Critical area report – General requirements.
A. Preparation by Qualified Professional. If required by the mayor or designee in accordance with Section 16.18A.180(B)(1), the applicant shall submit a critical area report prepared by a qualified professional as defined herein.
B. These general report requirements must be provided for every type of critical area (wetlands, fish and wildlife habitat conservation area, critical aquifer recharge area, and geologically hazardous area). For each type of critical areas present on a site, the applicant must provide the information listed in each respective section below.
C. Incorporation of Best Available Science. The critical area report shall use scientifically valid methods and studies in the analysis of critical area data and in the collection of all field data documenting site conditions and reference the source of science used. The critical area report shall evaluate the proposal and all probable impacts to critical areas in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
D. Minimum Report Contents. At a minimum, the report shall contain the following:
1. The name and contact information of the applicant, a description of the proposal, and identification of the permit requested;
2. A copy of the site plan for the development proposal including:
a. A map to scale depicting all critical areas, buffers, setbacks, the development proposal, and any areas to be cleared, graded, filled, or otherwise disturbed; and
b. A description and depiction of the proposed storm water management plan for the development and consideration of impacts or alterations to wetlands, watercourses, or drainage features on or adjacent to the site;
3. The dates of any fieldwork performed on the site;
4. Identification and characterization of all critical areas, including wetlands, water bodies, watercourses, and buffers within three hundred feet of the proposed project area;
5. A statement specifying the accuracy of the report, and all assumptions made and relied on;
6. An assessment of the probable cumulative impacts to critical areas resulting from development of the site and the proposed development;
7. A narrative describing site development alternatives appropriate to document mitigation sequencing;
8. A description of reasonable efforts made to apply mitigation sequencing pursuant to Mitigation sequencing (Section 16.18A.250) to first avoid, then minimize and finally mitigate for remaining unavoidable impacts to critical areas;
9. Plans for adequate mitigation, as needed, to offset any unavoidable impacts, in accordance with Mitigation plan requirements (Section 16.18A.260), including but not limited to provisions for adequate mitigation of:
a. The impacts of any proposed development within or adjacent to a critical area or buffer on the critical area; and
b. The impacts of any proposed alteration of a critical area or buffer on the development proposal, other properties and the environment;
10. A discussion of the performance standards applicable to proposed mitigation for impacts on the critical area and construction and operation of the proposed activity;
11. Financial guarantees to ensure compliance; and
12. Any additional information required for the critical area (i.e., wetland, fish and wildlife habitat conservation area, critical aquifer recharge area, or geologically hazardous area) as specified in the corresponding section below.
E. Unless otherwise provided, a critical area report may be supplemented by or composed, in whole or in part, of any reports or studies required by other laws and regulations or previously prepared for and applicable to the development proposal site, as approved by the mayor or his/her designee. (Ord. 1104-15 § 1 (Att. A)).