(1) Vegetative buffers shall be measured from the ordinary high water mark (OHWM) for streams, lakes and ponds.

(2) Buffer width may be reduced through the variance permit process.

(3) The adequacy of these standard buffer widths presumes the existence of a relatively intact native vegetation community in the buffer zone adequate to protect the shoreline functions and values at the time of the proposed activity. If the vegetation is degraded, then no adjustment to the buffer width should be granted and revegetation should be considered. Where the use is being intensified, a degraded buffer should be revegetated to maintain the standard width. (Ord. 2123, § 1 (Att.), 2021.)