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What are water quality protection areas and why preserve them? Lost Coon Lake Water Quality Protection Areas in Whitefish CITY OF WHITEFISH PLANNING & BUILDING DEPARTMENT Protecting Water Quality in our Community Water quality protection areas are land- scape features that perform an im- portant natural function or pose a poten- tially significant hazard to human life or property. Areas protected in the White- fish water quality protection regulations include: • Streams, lakes, and the Whitefish River, whose water quality is the primary fo- cus for protection. • Critical stormwater conveyances, which can convey substantial amounts of wa- ter during big storms, even though they are dry most of the time. Development in conveyance areas can create signifi- cant flooding or drainage problems. • Wetlands, which perform many im- portant functions, including moderation of storm flows and removal of water pollutants. • Slopes and other areas that may be sources of erosion, particularly areas with potential for landslides or slump- ing. These areas can contribute large amounts of sediment to water bodies and also pose potential safety hazards. Growth threatens water quality pro- tection areas and, therefore, the quality of life for people in the White- fish area. Past development in the area has been on a lesser scale and has generally been located where it is easier and safer to build. Future development is more likely to be lo- cated in areas that pose significant environmental threats. Through community meetings held by the Growth Policy Steering Com- mittee, citizens told City leaders that water quality protection areas are key to what makes Whitefish unique and an attractive place to live, that they care deeply about preserving these areas for future generations, and that they place particularly high im- portance on protecting water quality. Whitefish Lake What is a qualified professional? The regulations may require certain reports be developed by qualified pro- fessionals, which is a person with ex- perience and training in the pertinent scientific discipline, and who is a qual- ified scientific expert with expertise appropriate for the relevant water quality protection area. A qualified professional must have obtained a B.S. or B.A. or equivalent degree as identified and have five years of pro- gressively more responsible work ex- perience with the relevant type of wa- ter quality protection area. The city has a list of pre-approved qualified professionals available upon request. Why is Whitefish preserving water quality protection areas? Other Resources More information can be found at the Planning & Building Department office or on the web at: www.cityofwhitefish.org. Karin Hilding, Public Works Dept: [PHONE REDACTED] Wendy Compton-Ring, Planning Dept: [PHONE REDACTED] ---PAGE BREAK--- Possibly. You may maintain, repair, modify or add to existing structures, if you do not affect water quality pro- tection areas or would not further encroach on a water quality protec- tion area or buffer an addition placed on the side of your home away from a water quality protection area). In most circumstances, slope re- quirements would be waived for very small additions to single-family homes (less than 200 square feet). Larger additions on slopes 10% or greater would require a geotechnical No. If your property is annexed into the city limits, these regulations will The ordinance would not render proper- ty unbuildable unless development of the lot would post a significant threat of injury to the occupiers of the land or other properties. The ordinance is more geared toward the specific development of property; however, the city recognizes the need for those buying or selling property to understand how this ordinance may possibly affect development of a lot. To this end, the city has a Preliminary Wa- ter Quality Protection Area Determina- tion application. With a complete sub- mittal, staff will provide a written prelimi- nary determination as to effect of the regulation on development of the lot. A more specific review can occur once specific plans are submitted. Also, see the brochure developed for the real estate community. The Water Quality Protection (WQP) regulations are designed to review development within 200-feet of a lake, wetland, stream, the river or stormwater conveyance. Each of the WQP areas has a specific buffer and setback to insure its protection. The regulations only apply to prop- erties within the city limits. Where do these regulations apply? PO Box 158 418 E 2nd Street Whitefish, Montana 59937 Phone: [PHONE REDACTED] Fax: [PHONE REDACTED] Web: www.cityofwhitefish.org CITY OF WHITEFISH PLANNING & BUILDING DEPARTMENT The Whitefish community is defined by its natural resources. What will these regulations mean to me if I am selling or buying property located within 200-feet of a water quality protection area? I live outside the city limits. Am I subject to these regulations? If I have an existing home within 200-feet of a water quality protection area, do these regulations apply to me? letter. If your lot is already developed and you propose to replace the existing structure, including replacement after fire, the City’s normal requirements would apply, including compliance with this ordinance. If your lot is undevel- oped, then all proposed development