19.06.040 Goals:
The general goal of these regulations is to avoid impacts to wetlands where such avoidance is feasible and reasonable. Where such impacts are unavoidable, the standards of this ordinance seek to minimize impacts on wetlands as a result of land development by:
A. Maintaining and enhancing the biological and physical functions and values of wetlands.
B. Maintaining the natural value of wetlands to control flooding and storm water runoff through the storage and regulation of natural flow.
C. Providing opportunities for recreation, scientific study, and natural resources education.
D. Providing for reasonable buffers around wetlands in order to stabilize soil, filter suspended solids and excess nutrients, moderate impacts from storm water runoff, provide a local habitat for wetland plant and animal communities, and to reduce or minimize intrusions from humans and domestic animals.
E. Implementing the goals, objectives and policies of the State of Washington Growth Management Act, the State Environmental Policy Act, and the City of Moses Lake’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan. (Ord. 2134, 11/11/03; Ord. 1587, 1993)