40.240.270 Resource Enhancement Projects
A. Applications for resource enhancement projects must describe the goals and benefits of the proposed enhancement project. They must also thoroughly document the condition of the resource before and after the proposed enhancement project. Applicants shall seek technical assistance from federal, state or county technical experts for assistance in designing voluntary wetland, stream, habitat, plant, and scenic enhancement projects.
B. In addition to other guidelines that protect scenic, cultural, recreation, and natural resources, quarry enhancement projects shall comply with the following guidelines:
1. Application Requirements. In addition to other applicable requirements, land use applications for quarry enhancement projects shall include perspective drawings of the site as visible from key viewing areas as specified in Section 40.240.285 and a reclamation plan that provides at a minimum the following information:
a. A map of the site, at a scale of one (1) inch equals two hundred (200) feet (1:2,400) or a scale providing greater detail, with ten (10) foot contour intervals or less, showing pre-reclamation existing grades and post-reclamation final grades; locations of topsoil stockpiles for eventual reclamation use; location of catch basins or similar drainage and erosion control features employed for the duration of the use; and the location of storage, processing, and equipment areas employed for the duration of the use.
b. Cross-sectional drawings of the site showing pre-reclamation and post-reclamation grades.
c. Descriptions of the proposed use, in terms of estimated quantity and type of material removed, estimated duration of the use, processing activities, etc.
d. Description of drainage/erosion control features to be employed for the duration of the use.
e. A landscaping plan providing for revegetation consistent with the vegetation patterns of the subject landscape setting, indicating the species, number, size, and location of plantings for the final reclaimed grade, as well as a description of irrigation provisions or other measures necessary to ensure the survival of plantings.
2. Scenic Resource Standard. Quarry enhancement projects shall restore the site to a natural appearance that blends with and emulates surrounding landforms to the maximum extent practicable.
3. Natural Resource Standard. Sites shall be replanted using native plants found in the landscape setting or eco-region to the maximum extent practicable.
4. Time Frames. The following time frames shall apply to quarry enhancement projects:
a. All grading (e.g., excavating, filling and re-contouring) shall be completed within one (1) year of the date an applicant begins on-the-ground work.
b. All landscaping shall be planted within one (1) year of the date an applicant completes the grading.
c. An applicant may request one (1) one (1) year extension to the one (1) year grading time frame if a project is unexpectedly delayed by adverse weather or emergency/disaster. Such requests shall be considered an administrative action. An applicant shall submit such a request to the reviewing agency after grading has commenced and before the one (1) year grading time frame has expired.
d. An applicant may also request one (1) six (6) month extension to the one (1) year landscaping time frame if a project is unexpectedly delayed by adverse weather or emergency/disaster. Such requests shall be considered an administrative action. An applicant shall submit such a request to the reviewing agency after landscaping has commenced and before the one (1) year landscaping time frame has expired.
C. Enhancement of wetlands not associated with any other project proposal may be allowed if such efforts comply with the wetlands provisions in the Management Plan. Enhancement efforts shall be conducted pursuant to a written plan consistent with the provisions under Section 40.240.840(I).
D. Enhancement of streams, ponds, lakes, and riparian areas not associated with any other development proposal may be allowed. Enhancement efforts shall be conducted pursuant to a written plan consistent with the provisions under Section 40.240.840(K).
E. In the SMAs, enhancement of wetlands, streams, ponds, lakes, and riparian areas not associated with any other project proposal may be allowed if such efforts comply with the wetlands, streams, ponds, lakes, and riparian areas provisions in Section 40.240.840. Enhancement efforts shall be conducted pursuant to a written plan, consistent with the provisions described in Section 40.240.880.
(Amended: Ord. 2006-05-04; Ord. 2021-12-02)