Explanation
The purpose of this ordinance is to enact new City of Columbus City Code Chapter 1117 - Watershed Protection.
The purpose of this new chapter is to provide a safe and healthy drinking water supply and protect Reservoir and Land Stewardship Property through the implementation and enforcement of best management practices consistent with water quality and riparian buffer conservation standards.
This chapter allows for the designation of Land Stewardship Property within specific areas of the Reservoirs and participation in the voluntary Land Stewardship Program. Property eligibility will be determined by the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department and the Columbus Department of Public Utilities. A valid Land Stewardship License Agreement will be required before any activities or improvements are authorized under the Land Stewardship Program.
This chapter allows the Director of Public Utilities to adopt rules and regulations necessary to administer and enforce the provisions of this chapter. Such rules and regulations may include the establishment of Land Stewardship Design Standards, Permit fees, and liability insurance requirements. The City may suspend or cancel Licenses or Permits upon notification in accordance with the terms of the applicable License or Permit.
Finally, this chapter establishes the process for authorizing activities or improvements, including Private Docks, Private Stakes, Steps, Stairs, Paddlecraft Storage, or Boardwalks; as well as Overland Paths, Filtered View Corridors, Stream or Wetland crossings, embankment stabilization, or Vegetation Management on Land Stewardship Property. This chapter also includes provisions related to the abandonment and removal of structures from Land Stewardship Property.
FISCAL IMPACT: This ordinance allows for the collection of Permit fees and any funds, damages, or other moneys received or recovered through the administration, implementation, and enforcement of the Land Stewardship Prog...
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