Athens City Code

Credits for landscaping are available for leaving natural buffers along perennial streams. All credits and buffer designs are subject to the review and approval of the building inspections office and/or the public works department.

1. (1) A natural buffer with a minimum width equal to three times the stream width shall be provided on each side of the stream; the required width per side shall be no less than 25 feet and no more than 100 feet; the width of the buffer shall be measured from edge of the stream bank.
2. (2) No vegetation within the natural buffer shall be removed or disturbed except for poisonous, non-native, or noxious plant species.
3. (3) No fill or cutting activities, including the storage of materials or equipment, shall be permitted in the natural buffer area.
4. (4) No impervious surfaces are permitted in the buffer unless approved as a part of the stormwater plan.
5. (5) Trees located within the buffer area with a minimum six-inch caliper can be used to meet the landscaping requirements.
6. (6) The maximum landscaping credit allowance is 25 percent of the landscaping requirements for trees.