§ 74-301. Findings and applicability.

(a)

Findings. The City of Atlanta finds that buffers adjacent to streams and wetlands are beneficial to water quality because they:

(1)

Protect, restore, and maintain the chemical, physical and biological integrity of streams and their water resources;

(2)

Improve surface water, urban stormwater runoff, and groundwater quality by filtering pollutants, nutrients, sediment, and other contaminants;

(3)

Reduce erosion and sedimentation;

(4)

Protect and stabilize stream banks and stream channels;

(5)

Maintain base flow of streams by aiding in groundwater recharge, and thereby protect dry weather low flows in streams;

(6)

Contribute organic matter that is a source of food, energy, and habitat for the aquatic ecosystem;

(7)

Provide tree canopy to shade streams and promote desirable aquatic habitat including but not limited to the moderation of water temperature in streams;

(8)

Provide and protect riparian wildlife habitat and wildlife migration corridors;

(9)

Offer educational and recreational opportunities; and

(10)

Protect greenspace.

Therefore, the city finds that the protection of the streams, wetlands, and the areas adjacent to them is vital to the safety, health, peace, and general welfare of the city and its inhabitants.

(b)

Applicability. This article shall apply to both public and private property within the city. This article shall be administered in its entirety by the department of watershed management unless otherwise specified herein.

(Ord. No. 2001-100, § 3, 12-11-01; Ord. No. 2002-21, § 3, 3-26-02; Ord. No. 2010-13(10-O-0058), § 2, 4-27-10)