Ordinance 2007-11
ORDINANCE NO. 2007 -11
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GILROY
ADDING CHAPTER 27 A - WATER RESOURCES PROTECTION
TO THE GILROY CITY CODE.
WHEREAS, the Santa Clara Yalley Water District (SCYWD), along with
representatives of the County of Santa Clara, the fifteen Cities in Santa Clara County, the
Guadalupe-Coyote Resource Conservation District, the San Francisco Bay Regional
Water Quality Board, various business and development interests, property owners and
environmental, agricultural and community interests have formed and are members of the
Water Resources Protection Collaborative; and
WHEREAS, all Collaborative members share the watershed resource protection
goals of flood management, drinking water quality and quantity, surface and groundwater
quality and quantity, and habitat protection and enhancement; and
WHEREAS, the Collaborative developed a set of model guidelines and standards
for land use near streams (Guidelines and Standards) to apply to activities on properties
near streams in order to protect streams and streamside resources; and
WHEREAS, in order to accomplish its goals, the Collaborative recognized the
importance of delineation of permit responsibility for administering the implementation
of the Guidelines and Standards; and
WHEREAS, the City of Gilroy adopted Resolution No. 2005-78 on November 7,
2005 in support of the Guidelines and Standards and the Implementation Program of the
Water Resources Protection Collaborative; and
WHEREAS, the City of Gilroy is committed to furthering these goals through the
adoption of land development Guidelines and Standards; and
WHEREAS, it is recognized that the City of Gilroy, through implementation of
Best Management Practices and other means have continuously acted to protect the
watershed and water quality in the City of Gilroy; and
WHEREAS, it is recognized that the most effective way to regulate land uses near
streams is to incorporate the review and permitting into existing development review
conducted by Municipal Organizations; and,
WHEREAS, the City Council finds the adoption of an Ordinance providing for
the protection of watersheds and water quality will protect the public health, safety and
welfare; and
WHEREAS, the proposed Ordinance is consistent with the goals and policies
contained within the City of Gilroy General Plan and provides standards to protect
watershed resources, water quality and quantity; and
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WHEREAS, the proposed Ordinance will allow for the orderly review of
streamside permitting in a consistent manner, which is in compliance with state and
federal water quality standards; and
WHEREAS, an Environmental Impact Report was prepared in compliance with
the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for the City of Gilroy's General Plan
Update. On June 13, 2002, the City Council certified the Final Environmental Impact
Report and adopted a Statement of Overriding Considerations. Pursuant to Section 21093
of the CEQA Guidelines, the proposed Water Resources Protection Ordinance is tiered
off the approved Final Environmental Impact Report as an Implementation Action of the
General Plan Update.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GILROY
DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
Chapter 27 A is hereby added to the Gilroy City Code to read as follows:
CHAPTER 27 A: WATER RESOURCES PROTECTION - GUIDELINES
AND STANDARDS.
ARTICLE I. GENERAL PROVISIONS
Sec. 27 A.I Purposes and Intent.
The purpose and intent of this Ordinance is:
a. To protect the City of Gilroy's water resources and to provide a reliable
supply of healthy and clean water.
b. To reduce the potential for flood damage.
c. To protect and when appropriate to enhance or restore the natural resources of
streams and watersheds.
Sec. 27 A.2 Definitions.
This section defines terms that have meamngs specific to the interpretation of this
Ordinance.
Development: The placement or erection of any solid material or structure; grading,
removing, dredging, mining, or extraction of any materials; construction, reconstruction,
demolition, or alteration of the size of any structure, including any facility of any private,
public, or municipal utility; and the removal or installation of vegetation.
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Guidelines and Standards: A set of model guidelines, standards, procedures, and
recommendations developed for land use activities near streams, for streamside
properties, and for the protection of streams and streamside resources.
Modification: Any alteration to properties in the Streamside Review Area, including but
not limited to the activities defined under development.
Pollution: Impairment of water quality to a degree which adversely and unreasonably
affects a beneficial use of the water.
Riparian Yegetation: Yegetation growing on or near the banks of a stream or other body
of water on soils that exhibit some wetness characteristics during some portion of the
growmg season.
Storm Water: Surface runoff directly resulting from precipitation without being subject to
intermediate natural processes, such as infiltration into the soil.
Stream: A body of water that flows at least periodically or intermittently through a bed or
channel having banks. This water may include watercourses having a surface or
subsurface flow that supports or has supported riparian vegetation, fish or other aquatic
life.
Streamside Review Area: All properties abutting or in proximity to a stream, including all
properties located within fifty (50) feet from the top of bank.
Structure: Anything made or constructed and having its foundation or support upon or
within the ground.
Top of Bank: A stream boundary where a majority of normal discharges and channel
forming activities takes place. The top of bank boundary contains the active channel,
active floodplain, and their associated banks. Top of bank streams with levees will be
delineated on the inner edge of the levee. Where there are no distinguishable features to
locate top of bank, the City Engineer or designee will make a determination and
document as appropriate. In the absence of this determination, the 100-year water
surface will be used.
Two to One (2: 1) Slope Stability Protection Area: A distance measured using a
hypothetical 2 horizontal to 1 vertical line projected from the toe of bank to a point where
it intersects the adjacent ground.
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ARTICLE II. STREAM PROTECTION
Sec. 27A.3 Applicability.
The following regulations shall apply to all properties within a Streamside Review Area,
and shall be subject to all of the general provisions of this ordinance. All development
subject to this ordinance shall also be subject to review for applicability of the
"Guidelines and Standards for Land Use Near Streams" ratified by the Water Resource
Protection Collaborative. .
Sec. 27 A.4 Exemptions.
The following land use activities are exempt from this ordinance. However, these
activities must not be located in a stream channel:
a. Remodel of existing single family residences on parcels 10,000 square feet or
less.
b. Less than three (3) cubic yards of earthwork.
c. Interior building construction and alterations.
d. Erection of storage buildings not greater than 120 square feet. Accessory
structures should be sited in a manner that causes the least disruption to the
stream/streamside resources.
e. Replacement of sewer or water laterals.
f. Re-roofing.
g. Wood fences six feet in height or less that are set back from the top of bank.
h. Exterior decks thirty (30) inches or less in height above grade that do not
overhang or extend beyond the creek bank.
1. Any modification to the site that occurs fifty (50) feet or more from the top of
bank or edge of riparian corridor, whichever is greater.
Sec. 27 A.S Building and Site Requirements.
All development subject to this ordinance shall comply with the following requirements
and also be subject to review for applicability of the "Guidelines and Standards for Land
Use Near Streams".
a. Riparian Corridor Protection
1. Removal of native vegetation is not permitted. Non-native species are not
allowed to be planted between top of banks. Invasive species are not
allowed within 150 feet of top of bank. All new landscaping must comply
with the adopted City of Gilroy's Consolidated Landscape Policy.
2. Avoid bright colors and glossy or glare producing building finishes on
structures facing the stream or riparian areas. A void night time lighting,
direct lighting away from and maximize the distance of lighting from the
riparian corridor.
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b. Bank Stability/Slope Stability Protection Area
1. Placement of new roads, parking lots, pools and structures subject to the
Uniform Building Code shall be placed outside a Slope Stability
Protection Area in a location and manner that avoids or minimizes impacts
to streams, streamside natural resources, flood protection and local
drainage infrastructure and the proposed structure.
2. For all new development and major redevelopment, the Slope Stability
Protection Area is the greater of:
a. A 2 to 1 slope stability protection measured using a hypothetical 2
horizontal to 1 vertical line projected from the toe of bank to a
point where it intersects the adjacent ground. The protection area
should allow for construction access and access around the
structure. For banks of large streams, or for streams that are
deeply incised or have highly erodable banks, the City Engineer
may increase the protection area in order to protect water quality,
the riparian corridor, and other resources.
b. Twenty (20) feet from top of bank or property line.
c. If a non-exempt structure is proposed within the Slope Stability
Protection Area, the applicant shall conduct a study of on-site
geotechnical and slope stability conditions:
The purpose ofthe study is to determine:
1. Whether the location of the proposed structure may
threaten bank stability, and
2. Whether the bank is in an unstable or potentially unstable
condition that may threaten structures and/or potentially
cause a health and safety hazard.
The study needs to include a geotechnical analysis of soil
conditions, a slope stability analysis that considers static conditions
and the action of the stream on the bank. The study must:
1. Demonstrate that development would not require introduction
of hardscape in order to maintain a stable slope and
2. Show how maintenance or repair of the stream could be
provided should it become necessary.
c. Encroachments between the Top of Bank
1. Privately owned decks, pathways, or buildings may not overhang or
encroach beyond or within the top of bank.
2. Structures must not reduce the active channel or active floodplains'
conveyance area or redirect flow to the detriment of another bank and
must be designed to convey 100-year design flow.
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3. Bridge construction should be clear span construction. When not feasible,
bridge piers may be allowed, subject to determination by the City
Engineer. Pier footings and pile caps should be designed based on
channel scour to prevent erosion and be a minimum of three (3) feet below
active channel invert.
4. Encroachments in active channels and active floodplains must provide for
fish passage, if applicable, and respect aquatic life.
d. Erosion Prevention and Repair
1. Construction on slopes greater than five (5) percent, must implement
erosion and sediment control measures.
2. Remediate source of on-site erosion (i.e. roof downspouts or overbank
drainage). Design of erosion protection must utilize the softest possible
method appropriate for the stream characteristics. Include revegetative
measures in any new development project, even if not used in erosion
repair. All erosion repair projects must include an evaluation for the
potential impacts on both downstream and upstream banks.
3. Bare earthen slopes resulting from work must be treated, as necessary, to
minimize erosion and prevent sediment from entering streams and other
aquatic habitats.
e. Grading
1. Grading adjacent to a stream must provide for buffer areas and vegetated
swales between the stream and graded areas.
2. All grading must address site drainage.
f. Outfalls. Pump Stations and Site Drainage
1. Direct site drainage through vegetated areas or stilling basins prior to
discharge or collection in storm drain system. No concentrated overbank
drainage is allowed (e.g. roof overhangs or downspouts). If overbank
drainage will occur, use vegetative buffer strips or direct drainage to
landscaped areas.
2. The use of outfalls should be minimized or avoided wherever possible.
3. Limit pump discharges to a stream to the extent feasible during peak flows
to minimize potential impacts from flooding.
g. Channelization
1. Streams must not be buried or put into culverts.
2. Any open channel modification must consider the stream dynamics and
induced flooding. Stream conveyance area must be designed for 100-year
design flow with freeboard. Any modifications must include restoration
of natural stream processes and avoid or mitigate where avoidance is not
possible any impacts to habitat areas.
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h. Utility Encroachments
1. Utility pipes or conduits must go under the stream or be in or attached to
the downstream face of a bridge and must go under any levees.
1. Trail Construction
1. Trails must be located so as to avoid impacts to the stream riparian areas.
Paved multi-use trails should be placed so as to maximize the distance
from stream and riparian areas.
J. Protection of Water Ouality
1. Any non-storm water discharges must not pollute surface water and shall
be subject to approval and permit from the Regional Water Quality
Control Board.
k. Groundwater Protection
1. A groundwater resource assessment is required when there is a potential
for significant groundwater supply or groundwater quality impacts.
I. Flood Protection
1. New development must not increase flooding (0.1 foot increase in water
surface) or reduce freeboard below minimum required. A hydraulic
analysis prepared by a licensed civil engineer demonstrating that any flood
impact will not be created is required.
2. Buildings shall be set back from the toe of any levee by a minimum of
twenty (20) feet.
Sec. 27 A.6 Required Plans for Modifications.
All properties located within the Streamside Review Area making any non-exempt
modifications (see section 2.2 exemptions) to their property, must submit plans drawn to
scale and of sufficient clarity to indicate the nature and extent of the work, bank
stabilization and revegetation efforts proposed that includes the following information:
a. Name and address of owner;
b. Name and address of applicant (if different from owner);
c. Name, address, professional status, license number, and phone number of the
person who prepared the plan;
d. Location and assessor's parcel number of the proposed site;
e. North arrow, scale, and the name and location of the nearest public roads,
streams, watercourses within 100 ft. of proposed activity;
f. Existing contours of the site, as well as finished contours to be achieved by
grading. Contours shall be sufficiently detailed to define the topography over
the entire site (generally at two-foot intervals);
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g. Detailed plans of all bank stabilization and erosion control measures
h. Delineation of areas to be cleared during development activities;
1. Location of top of bank or edge of riparian corridor with a fifty (50) foot
buffer area from the edge;
J. Restoration vegetation proposed for all surfaces to be exposed during
development activities, including any dredged, filled or graded areas;
k. The location and extent of open space buffers and method implementation;
I. Any use restrictions and method of implementation
Plans shall be reviewed in conjunction with any and all other applicable City permits
required for the proposed modification and/or development.
ARTICLE III. SEYERABILITY
If any section, subsection, subdivision, sentence, clause or phrase of this
Ordinance is for any reason held to be unconstitutional or otherwise void or invalid by
any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validly of the
remaining portions of this Ordinance. The City Council hereby declares that it would
have passed this Ordinance and each section, subsection, subdivision, sentence, clause or
phrase thereof, irrespective of the fact that anyone or more sections, subsections
subdivision, sentences, clauses or phrases be declared unconstitutional.
ARTICLE IY. EFFECTIYE DATE
This Ordinance shall become effective thirty (30) days after its adoption.
PASSED AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GILROY this 16th day of April, 2007, BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES:
COUNCILMEMBERS:
ARELLANO, BRACCO, CORREA,
GARTMAN, VALIQUETTE,
VELASCO, and PINHEIRO
NOES:
COUNCILMEMBERS:
NONE
ABSENT:
COUNCILMEMBERS:
NONE
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APPROVED
ATTEST:
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Rhonda Pellin, City Clerk
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I, RHONDA PELLIN, City Clerk of the City of Gilroy, do hereby certify that the attached
Ordinance No. 2007-11 is an original ordinance, or a true and correct copy of a city ordinance,
duly adopted by the Council of the City of Gilroy at a regular meeting of said Council held on the
16th day of April, 2007, at which meeting a quorum was present, and has been published or
posted pursuant to law.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Official Seal of
the City of Gilroy this 27th day of April, 2007.
~~CJ~
City Clerk of the City of Gilroy
(Seal)