Resource Protection Area Map Update July, 2016 What is protected - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Resource Protection Area Map Update July, 2016

What is protected by Resource Protection Area?  All natural stream channels (perennial, intermittent and ephemeral)  Man-made stream channels  Tidal wetlands and non-tidal wetlands connected to tidal wetlands or to a perennial stream  A 100- foot wide “buffer” adjacent to these features  The buffer can be wider in areas with steep slopes

Why Resource Protection Area?  Regional effort to improve Chesapeake Bay health  Protects waterbodies directly during development  C reates “buffers”, environmentally sensitive areas that provide critical ecosystem functions and protect the health of streams and other waterbodies.  “Buffers” also help reduce flood and erosion risks to structures.  The County has responsibility from the Commonwealth of Virginia to designate and protect RPAs within Arlington.  The Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance (Chapter 61) establishes RPAs in Arlington, as required by State law (Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act).

Natural stream types Perennial Stream Flow is year-round Ephemeral Stream Intermittent Stream Flow occurs following Flow is sporadic, but precipitation events Groundwater is a source

Why are intermittent and ephemeral streams protected?  They are hydrologically connected to perennial streams (both above ground and sub-surface flow).  They are often located on steep slopes where the potential for erosion is very high  Alternating wet and dry conditions foster nutrient removal and create unique and valuable habitat for wildlife  They are part of the overall drainage network for perennial streams  They are impacted by development and stormwater runoff

Functions of the RPA buffer

Functions of the RPA buffer

RPA Map Update – Why Now?  Regulatory requirement. The map must be updated periodically to comply with state law and the County’s Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance.  The RPA map was last updated in 2003.  New information is available from recent assessments.  Natural Resources Inventory in 2008,  A stream assessment and storm sewer mapping for the Stormwater Master Plan in 2014.  New segments of stream have been identified, and some features that are identified as streams on the 2003 map have been confirmed as other types of stormwater structures. Wetland areas identified in the natural resource inventory are being added to the map as well.

RPA Map Update – Why Now?  Ensure equitable plan review during development.  Provide accurate information regarding properties to owners and the real estate and development communities.

RPA Map Update 2017  About 1500 properties with RPA  256 will have RPA removed  243 will have RPA added  Others will have RPA modified

What’s allowed in the RPA? 13  Repairs, gardening and maintenance work.  Removal of dead, dying or hazardous trees/shrubs and non-native invasive or noxious vegetation. Work that requires County approval :  Adding new paved surfaces or buildings within the RPA  The removal of trees with a diameter > 3 inches  The disturbance of more than 2,500 square feet of land An exception may be required for some projects.

747 N Albermarle Street – 2015 vs 2017  Slightly larger addition to replace existing rear patio  Staff exception requested and approved  Two rain barrels on new downspouts  Removal of English ivy on RPA trees

Formal Exception Process  Chesapeake Bay Ordinance Review Committee reviews exceptions requests  Meets as needed throughout the year  May add time to the review process  Types of mitigation requested: o Tree replacement or protection o Invasive plant removal/control o Additional stormwater management measures o Additional erosion control measures during construction

612 N Abingdon Street – 2007 vs 2015  Teardown/rebuild with new home in the RPA  Formal exception requested and approved  Plantings along stream required – 3 trees, 4 shrubs, 20 perennials  Removal of English ivy from all trees and ground in planting areas

Impact on Property Value  Many properties in Arlington are in floodplains or have RPA or easements on the property  Real estate assessment does not have any “standard” adjustment for these properties, and most are not adversely affected or treated differently when calculating property assessment  If you would like a review of your property’s real estate assessment, you can contact: Derek Dubbe or Deidra Kelly 2100 Clarendon Boulevard, Suite 611 Arlington, VA 22201 Tel: 703-228-3920

Proposed Timeline to Update the RPA Map  Property Owner notification – July 1, 2016  Public Meetings – July, 2016  Additional outreach – Fall, 2016  Planning Commission – January, 2017  County Board – February, 2017  New map takes effect – July, 2017

Questions? Christin Jolicoeur Watershed Planner (703) 228-3588 cjolicoeur@arlingtonva.us Aileen Winquist Watershed Outreach Program Manager (703) 228 3610 awinquist@arlingtonva.us