1Description
Laws can address wetlands, wetlands buffer areas and the kinds of uses that can occur adjacent to the wetlands and buffers. Laws are primarily state and federal.
2Purpose
Maintain water quality. Manage stormwater. Mitigate pollution.
3Issues
If the municipality adds its own wetlands regulations it must also assume the technical and administrative burdens.
4Advantages
Can be used to attract state and federal resources. Municipalities can add their own, more restrictive regulations: can protect smaller wetlands, can expand buffer area and expand controls on use, design and approvals. Can be part of a more comprehensive smart growth strategy for mapping a larger critical environmental or conservation area.