Riparian Corridors

A riparian corridor is a unique plant community consisting of the vegetation growing near a river, stream, lake, lagoon or other natural body of water. It serves a variety of functions important to people and the environment as a whole by:

• Preserving water quality by filtering sediment from runoff before it enters rivers and streams.
• Protecting stream banks from erosion.
• Providing a storage area for flood waters.
• Providing food and habitat for fish and wildlife.
• Preserving open space and aesthetic surroundings.

The Santa Cruz County Riparian Corridor Protection Ordinance contains guidelines for controlling development in riparian corridors. A riparian exception is required for grading, land clearing, building and tree or shrub removal in these areas. Deposition of debris and use of pesticides are prohibited.

Certain activities are exempt from the ordinance, including:

• Continuance of a pre-existing use (both agricultural and non-agricultural).
• Work done in accordance with a valid State Timber Harvesting Permit.
• Activities listed in the California Food and Agricultural Code for pest control.
• Drainage, erosion control, or habitat restoration required as a condition of County approval of a project.

The riparian corridor is determined by boundaries set by horizontal measurements. For specific widths, see County Code Section 16.30.040.

Along Rivers and Streams

A strip containing a perennial (year-round flow) stream and the land extending 50 feet from the high-water mark on each side. or A strip containing an intermittent (seasonal) or an ephemeral (flows in response to rain) stream and the land extending 30 feet from the high-water mark on each side.

Around Lakes, Marshes and Lagoons

An area extending 100 feet from the high-water mark of a natural standing body of water, lake, wetland, estuary or lagoon.

Buffers Along Arroyos in Urban Areas

An area extending up to 50 feet from the top of an arroyo, depending on the type of stream, vegetation and slope of the arroyo banks. See chart in section 16.30.040 of the county code.

RIPARIAN WOODLANDS

Typical riparian vegetation within the riparian corridor includes black cottonwood, alder, sycamore, box elder, creek dogwood and willow. Riparian woodlands are shown on the County General Plan maps or can be identified by field investigation. The corridor boundary extends to the outer limit of riparian vegetation, which in some cases is beyond the horizontal distances shown in the sketches.

RIPARIAN PRE-SITE

When planning new development near a stream or body of water, you may find it helpful to apply at the Zoning Counter for a Riparian Preliminary Site Inspection. This will tell you what the required setbacks will be (see the brochure Zoning Administrator Development Permits - Level 5).

RIPARIAN EXCEPTIONS

Any development within the riparian corridor boundaries or buffer areas requires a riparian exception permit. For more information or to submit an application for a Riparian Exception, please visit one of the Departments three permit centers during their Hours of Operation. No appointment necessary. You will need to bring the appropriate application materials and plans showing:

• Details of terrain such as streams and contour lines.
• Reference points such as existing structures, trees and roads.
• Area to be cleared (building envelope).




• Proposed construction, including new contours after grading.

FINDINGS REQUIRED FOR APPROVAL

In order to grant the riparian exception the following findings must be made: