14.04.230 Mitigation plan requirements.
When mitigation is required, the applicant shall submit for approval by the city a mitigation plan as part of the critical areas report. The mitigation plan shall include:
A. Environmental Goals and Objectives. The mitigation plan shall include a written report identifying environmental goals and objectives of the compensation proposed and including:
1. A description of the anticipated impacts to the critical areas and the mitigating actions proposed and the purposes of the compensation measures, including the site selection criteria; identification of compensation goals; identification of resource functions; and dates for beginning and completion of site compensation construction activities. The goals and objectives shall be related to the functions and values of the impacted critical area;
2. A review of the best available science supporting the proposed mitigation and a description of the report author’s experience to date in restoring or creating the type of critical area proposed; and
3. An analysis of the likelihood of success of the compensation project.
B. Performance Standards. The mitigation plan shall include measurable specific criteria for evaluating whether or not the goals and objectives of the mitigation project have been successfully attained and whether or not the requirements of this chapter have been met.
C. Detailed Construction Plans. The mitigation plan shall include written specifications and descriptions of the mitigation proposed, such as:
1. The proposed construction sequence, timing, and duration;
2. Grading and excavation details;
3. Erosion and sediment control features;
4. A planting plan specifying plant species, quantities, locations, size, spacing, and density; and
5. Measures to protect and maintain plants until established.
These written specifications shall be accompanied by detailed site diagrams, scaled cross sectional drawings, topographic maps showing slope percentage and final grade elevations, and any other drawings appropriate to show construction techniques or anticipated final outcome.
D. Monitoring Program. The mitigation plan shall include a program for monitoring construction of the compensation project and for assessing a completed project. A protocol shall be included outlining the schedule for site monitoring (for example, monitoring shall occur in years one, three, five, and seven after site construction), and how the monitoring data will be evaluated to determine if the performance standards are being met. A monitoring report shall be submitted as needed to document milestones, successes, problems, and contingency actions of the compensation project. The compensation project shall be monitored for a period necessary to establish that performance standards have been met, but not for a period less than five years.
E. Contingency Plan. The mitigation plan shall include identification of potential courses of action, and any corrective measures to be taken if monitoring or evaluation indicates project performance standards are not being met.
F. Financial Guarantees. The mitigation plan shall include financial guarantees, if necessary, to ensure that the mitigation plan is fully implemented. Financial guarantees ensuring fulfillment of the compensation project, monitoring program, and any contingency measures shall be posted in accordance with BMC 14.04.310, Bonds to ensure mitigation, maintenance, and monitoring. (Ord. 2010 § 1 (Exh. B), 2009; Ord. 1946 § 3, 2005).