Topic of the Month: Watershed Protection
Buffers
By Melinda Scott, Conservation Planner
What are Watershed Protection Buffers?
Watershed protection buffers are protective
strips of land along on both sides of a stream and around the perimeter of a
wetland, lake, or pond that protects the water body from the harmful impacts of
development. Watershed protection buffers are composed of trees, shrubs, and
perennial plants that filter surface runoff before it reaches the water body.
Buffer zones capture sediment, nutrients, and pathogens and reduce soil erosion
by creating a dense root system that will hold soil in place. Buffer zones
allow native plants, animals, and insects to thrive by enhancing an area’s
ecosystem. A healthy watershed protection buffer is one with a mature forest or
wetland that provides high quality habitat. Traditional turf grass lawns do not
provide all of the functions of a healthy buffer.
Chapter 29 of Williston’s Unified Development Bylaw requires that watershed protection buffers be maintained
around streams, wetlands and certain waterbodies. In Williston, the size of the
buffer depends on the type of stream, wetland or waterbody it is protecting.
Named streams such as the Allen Brook, Sucker Brook, Muddy Brook and Winooski
River require a 150-foot buffer on both sides of the stream, while other
streams require a 50-foot buffer. Waterbodies greater than ½ acre require a
150-foot buffer, while Class II wetlands require a 50-foot buffer. Lake
Iroquois has its own set of watershed protection regulations within a 250-foot
zone called the Lake Iroquois Shoreland Protection District.
What uses and activities are allowed in
buffers?
The idea is to leave buffers in their natural
vegetated state. Development is not permitted within buffers with few
exceptions such as utilities, trails, road and trail crossings, and stormwater
treatment systems. Where buffers are void of trees, shrubs, and other native
vegetation, the buffer should be restored to a combination of wetland,
riparian, forest, and/or meadow vegetation appropriate to the site.
Public input
Earlier this year the Planning and Zoning
department conducted a survey to evaluate people’s knowledge of the current
regulations and their opinions about the town allowing some flexibility in
return for a landowner’s commitment to enhance watershed buffers on their
property. Of 65 respondents, 18% were unsure about the location of the buffer.
While a majority said they currently mow in the buffer, a third of respondents
stated they would be willing to adapt their mowing practices to benefit the
watershed while another third said they might be willing to. A majority of
respondents expressed an interest in partnering with the town to plant trees within
the buffer on their property, and a majority support the idea of allowing
flexibility of uses in exchange for buffer enhancement.
The comments received generally indicate a high
level of awareness of water quality issues in the Allen Brook and other
streams, and express a strong desire to restore and protect the waterways. Many
expressed the concern that allowing any flexibility in the watershed protection
regulations would contribute to water quality degradation. Some comments
indicated confusion about the regulations, while others expressed concerns
about property rights.
Planning staff are happy to provide more
information about uses allowed and not allowed in the watershed protection
buffer, and steps private landowners can take to enhance these buffers. We can also
help you locate the buffer on your property if you are unsure of where it is.
Here’s a summary of what’s coming up for our board in the next month.
Agendas, meeting minutes, and supporting documents for the items discussed
below can be found on the “Public
Records and Documents” page on the Town of Williston’s website.
Development Review Board (DRB)
WHEN: April 9 & April 23 – 7:00 PM
WHERE: 7900 Williston Road – 2nd floor
WHAT:
-DP 09-01.16 The Snyder FC Commercial Properties, LLC & Rieley Properties,
LLC request a pre-application review of a proposed commercial building development (Healthy Living Market, retail
tenants, and restaurant tenant) at Finney Crossing (Williston Road &
Boxwood Lane intersection, opposite of Shaw's) in the TCZD. (4/9/19)
-DP 19-20 T.M. Development Company, LLC requests a Master Sign Plan
approval for two existing multi-tenant commercial buildings located at 260
Avenue D in the IZDW. (4/9/19)
-ZV 19-08 Donald Bevins appeals a zoning violation issued by the zoning
administrator on February 22, 2019 for use of recreational vehicles as living
quarters, operating multiple unpermitted apartments and/or a rooming house, and
litter on the property located at 3173 Saint George Road in the Gateway South
Zoning District (GZDS). (4/23/19)
-DP 19-19 JC Properties, LLC requests a discretionary permit for site
and building improvements to existing building at 478 Blair Park Road in the
Business Park Zoning District (BPZD). (4/23/19)
-DP 19-21 Adams Real Properties, LLC requests a discretionary permit to
install fencing and landscaping at existing FedEx facility at 921 Marshall
Avenue in the Industrial Zoning District West (IZDW). (4/23/19)
-DP 19-16 Grassroots Vermont requests a discretionary permit to
establish a medical marijuana dispensary at 4560 Williston Road in the IZDW.
Continued from March 12, 2019. (4/23/19)
Historical
and Architectural Advisory Committee (HAAC)
WHEN: April
2 & April 16 – 5:30 PM
WHERE: 7878
Williston Road – 1st floor conference room
WHAT: Discuss
commercial use standards and allowed uses in village. Review administrative
permit application for door repair in Village Zoning District.
Williston
Conservation Commission (WCC)
WHEN: April
3 & April 17 – 7:00 AM
WHERE: 7878
Williston Road – 1st floor conference room
WHAT: Catamount
outreach. Signage, etc.
Planning
Commission (PC)
WHEN: April
2 & April 16 – 7:00 PM
WHERE: 7878
Williston Road – 1st floor conference room
WHAT: Discuss watershed protection buffers,
transportation impact fees, and parking standards.
For more
information about the DRB, HAAC, WCC, or PC visit www.williston.vt.gov, click on the
“Boards and Commissions” Tab on the left side of the page, then click on the
relevant board or commission link. Our staff is ready to assist you from
8:00-4:30, Monday through Friday. We can be reached at 802-878-6704 or by email.
