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areas where buffer width is reduced, and that such low 



intensity land uses are guaranteed in perpetuity by covenant, 



deed restriction, easement, or other legally binding 



mechanism; 



4) that width averaging will not adversely impact the wetland 



functional values; and 



5) that the total area contained within the wetland buffer 



after averaging is no less than that contained within the 



standard buffer prior to averaging. In no instance shall the 



buffer width be reduced by more than 50% of the standard 



buffer or be less than 25 feet. 



e. Except as otherwise specified, wetland buffer zones shall be 

 retained in their natural condition. Where buffer disturbance 

 has occurred during construction, revegetation with native 

 vegetation may be required. 



f. Permitted Uses in a Wetland Buffer Zone 



Regulated activities shall not be allowed in a buffer zone 

 except for the following: 



1) activities having minimal adverse impacts on buffers and no 

 adverse impacts on regulated wetlands. These may include low 

 intensity, passive recreational activities such as pervious 

 trails, nonpermanent wildlife watching blinds, short term 

 scientific or educational activities, and sports fishing or 

 hunting; 



2) with respect to category III and IV wetlands, stormwater 

 management facilities having no reasonable alternative on-site 

 location; or 



3) with respect to category III and IV wetlands, development 

 having no feasible alternative location. 



g. Building Setback Lines. 



A building setback line of 15 feet is required from the edge 

 of any wetland buffer. Minor structural intrusions into the 

 area of the building setback may be allowed if the [Approval 

 Authority] determines that such intrusions will not negatively 

 impact the wetland. The setback shall be identified on a site 

 plan which is filed as an attachment to the notice on title 

 required by section 6.2. f. 



7.2 Avoiding Wetland Impacts 



a. Regulated activities shall not be authorized in a regulated 

 wetland except where it can be demonstrated that the impact is 

 both unavoidable and necessary or that all reasonable economic 

 uses are denied. 



b. With respect to category I wetlands, an applicant must 

 demonstrate that denial of the permit would impose an 

 extraordinary hardship on the part of the applicant brought 

 about by circumstances peculiar to the subject property. 



