BOARD AGENDA MEMORANDUM
SUBJECT:
Title
Riparian Ordinance and Encroachment Policy Discussion.
End
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
A. Review information and provide direction regarding protection of riparian corridors; and
B. Review Alternatives and Provide Direction for Addressing Unauthorized Encroachment on Santa Clara Valley Water District's Property.
Body
SUMMARY:
As requested by the Board, this item presents information on existing riparian corridor plans and policies in Santa Clara County. Additionally, as directed by the Board at the May 24, 2016 Board meeting, this item includes alternatives to facilitate policy discussions on unauthorized encroachment of District's property.
I. Existing Riparian Corridor Plans and Policies
The value of a riparian corridor is often expressed by the benefits a healthy, sufficiently wide riparian corridor can provide. The riparian corridor (defined as the stream corridor plus the adjacent riparian area and vegetation) provides benefits for water supply (e.g., in-stream recharge, and groundwater recharge), flood protection (e.g., floodplains), and stream stewardship (e.g., fisheries, vegetation, and wildlife habitat and corridors). Additional benefits attributed to the corridor and any buffer areas include opportunities for improved water quality and stormwater infiltration, and space for public trails and recreation.
With over 800 miles of streams in Santa Clara County, having a shared understanding of the value and need for riparian corridors and buffer areas is crucial as the County continues to see an influx in population and development. The District is just one organization that influences this aspect of the landscape. The impact on stream corridors of decisions by land use agencies, the cities and the County of Santa Clara, cannot be overstated. When it comes to working in or adjacent to riparian areas, whether for District purposes or for developments approved by cities, protection of the riparian co...
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