Urban and Residential Stream Buffers

Why Needed?

There are a large number of pollutants that can enter urbanized stream such as petroleum byproducts, salt, metals, and construction sediment.  Increases in impervious surfaces in urbanizing areas can often result in increased stream flooding and bank erosion as more water enters the stream in a short period of time.  This may force government officials to deal with flooding and property damage by structurally confining stream channels which only shifts flooding problems downstream and places landowners in greater risk when the river does break through constructed defenses.

Instead of attempting to control streams, urbanizing areas should consider what impacts development could have on their stream, backyard, and downstream neighbors.  A stream buffer of adequate width can protect the communities water supply, protect property from flooding, support stream life, and can provide communities with value. 

How Large?

Research suggests a riparian buffer for urban areas in three zones to maximize the local benefit.  The Connecticut River Watershed (2000) illustrates the three zone approach to stream buffers in Figure 75.

Figure 75:  Three Zone Urban Buffer

Source: Connecticut River Watershed, 2000. No. 6 Urban Buffers. Charlestown , NH . Pg. 5

The three zone approach above is more typically applied in urban setting but can also be altered to fit rural properties with stream access in their backyard.  The Connecticut River Watershed also prepared a diagram for “backyard” buffers as seen in Figure 76.

Figure 76:  Three Zone Backyard Buffer

Source: Connecticut River Watershed, 2000. No.2 Backyard Buffers. Charlestown , NH . Pg. 2

In the past five to ten years municipalities across the country have placed an increased emphasis on the protection of stream buffers.  For example in 2003, New Jersey passed a statewide zoning rule that prohibits new development within 75 feet of a stream (Riparian Buffer Ordinance, 2004).  Additionally, Cobb County, Georgia created a no disturb zone between 50 and 200 feet depending on the size of the stream (England and Roy, 2001). 

Within the Darby Watershed, the External Advisory Group (EAG) is advising Ohio EPA on how development should proceed in the Hellbranch subwatershed in Western Franklin County.  As part of the recommendations a riparian forest and floodplain protection will be created which will not permit development within the 100 year floodplain or the beltwidth of the river (calculated based on drainage area of stream), whichever is greater.  Also a recommended minimum setback of 100 feet on either side of the stream should be established regardless of stream size or floodplain (ESDA EAG Recommendations Draft, 2004).   

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Last updated: April 7, 2009.