Regulations on Columbia Lake water quality ready to be adopted

Regulations concerning the water quality of Columbia Lake are before the town's Planning and Zoning Commission. Courtesy photo. - Contributed Photo

Columbia Town Planner Jana Butts said that, while work continues regarding changes to regulations about the look of development on properties surrounding Columbia Lake, regulations regarding water quality issues are complete and ready to be adopted. The Columbia Planning and Zoning Commission’s Feb. 25 meeting will mark the last day of the public comment period for the following changes:

Section 9.35: “In the Columbia Lake Protection Area Overlay Zones, new unroofed terraces, patios and similar hardscape, semi-impervious and impervious surfaces greater than 100 square feet, or, modifications or additions to unroofed terraces, patios and similar hardscape, semi-impervious and impervious surfaces after the effective date of these regulations that are equal to or greater than 100 square feet, shall be considered structures and shall require a Zoning Compliance Certificate but shall be exempt from the setback and lot coverage requirements.”

Explanation: The proposed change is intended to ensure that, when shorefront properties are developed, the phosphorous run-off from patios and other impervious surfaces will be mitigated in a manner consistent with the Columbia Lake Protection Area Overlay Zone.

Section 21.4.4 b Best Management Practices for Reduction of Phosphorus: “For impervious surfaces greater than 100 square feet the first 1 inch flush of storm water shall be treated with a Best Management Practice (BMP) such as permeable pavement choices, bio-retention structures/residential rain gardens, vegetated swales, buffers, filter strips and drywells for roof drains/leaching trenches, among others), the nutrient allocation worksheet or other methods not listed but approved by staff. All BMPs shall be maintained and kept in working condition by the owner. If the BMPs have not been adequately maintained, then no further zoning permits shall be issued until the BMPs have been brought back to working condition. To the greatest extent possible, BMPs shall be located between the development area (or area of greatest impact) and the lake.”

Explanation: The proposed changes are intended to ensure that the water quality of Columbia Lake is protected.

To view the proposed regulation changes, go to the website www.columbia.org, click on “Boards and Commissions,” “Planning and Zoning Commission” and “Zoning Regulations, Proposed Amendments, Jan. 2013.”