Purpose and intent.
Wetlands provide hydrologic benefits such as flood and storm water control, and water quality protection. They also provide unique wildlife habitat for waterfowl, amphibians, fish, mammals and birds. Finally, wetland areas are used extensively for education, research, recreation and open space. The purpose of these regulations is to maintain these values consistent with sound planning principles and the objectives of the Town Comprehensive Plan.
 

EPOD boundary determination.
Development proposed within freshwater wetlands is regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for wetlands which are 12.4 acres or larger, and/or by the United States Army Corps of Engineers for any federally regulated wetlands. It is the obligation of each applicant to determine if the project contains any state-designated wetland. It a project contains a state-designated wetland, staff from the Department of Environmental Conservation must stake the wetland and buffer areas, as well as issue a permit for any development impacting these areas. If a project contains a federally designated wetland, a similar process must be followed, and a permit must be issued by the Buffalo office of the United States Army Corps of Engineers.
 

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For complete information see § 165-49: EPOD (1) Large Wetland Protection District.
For a printable map click here. 

(1) Small wetlands are as important as large wetlands in providing multiple, unique benefits for our environment. Wetlands provide hydrologic benefits such as flood and storm water control, and water quality protection. They also provide unique wildlife habitat for waterfowl, amphibians, fish, mammals and birds. Finally, wetland areas are used extensively for education, research, recreation and open space.
(2) The management measures detailed below are intended to preserve and protect the functions and benefits of the wetland areas of the Town of Parma that are regulated by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. The measures apply to wetland areas which are between 12.4 and 1.0 acres in size. These smaller wetlands are expected to provide the same benefits and functions as the larger wetland areas currently protected by the New York State permit program and, hence, are worthy of protection.

Delineation of district boundaries.
(1) Identification and mapping of all wetland areas of the Town of Parma is not feasible. Instead, an initial screening of the potential for the presence of wetlands on a site shall be made at the time of application. A detailed site survey for wetlands shall be made if the potential is present for the disturbance of any wetland area.
(2) If the presence of a wetland is confirmed and there is a potential for disturbance, a specific weighing of the benefits of the proposed project versus loss of wetland function and benefit shall be made to determine if the activity should be modified or denied. This process shall also be undertaken if the site incorporates any part of a larger wetland.
(3) The potential for the presence of wetland vegetation and/or wildlife habitat has been evaluated for the soils of Monroe County. This evaluation is based upon mapping and interpretation of Monroe County soils by the United States Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service. Soil units with a high potential to support wetland plants and/or wildlife are generally characterized as having seasonal high groundwater levels within 0.0 to 1.0 feet of the surface and/or as having a frequent flooding frequency. The list of soils having these characteristics shall be maintained by the CEO, and shall be made available to all applicants.
(4) If any of the above soil units are present in an area which may be disturbed, then a vegetative survey shall be completed and certified by a qualified wetlands specialist [as defined in 6 NYCRR Part 665.5(a)(2)] to determine the presence and extent, if any, of wetlands on the site. The definition of wetlands shall be consistent with Article 24 of the New York State Environmental Conservation Law [§ 24-0107(1)], as amended, and/or by the Corps of Engineers in their current regulatory guidance.
(5) If 1.0 or more contiguous acres of such wetland are found to be present, the location and extent of the wetland areas shall be shown on the proposed site plan with an appropriate buffer zone that may be adjusted according to the size and potential significance of the wetland.
(6) The location of wetlands, potential wetlands and proposed buffer areas shall be depicted on all site plans and suitable for concept stage submittals to the Planning Board and the CEO. Preliminary and final stage applications shall delineate actual boundaries as located in the field and accepted by the responsible agencies.
(7) If it is determined that the project contains a federally designated wetland, the applicant shall obtain all required wetland permits from the Buffalo office of the United State Army Corps of Engineers.
 

Purpose and intent.
Floods are natural phenomena which increase in frequency and magnitude due to development. In natural systems, they clear debris from stream channels and replenish topsoil and nutrients to floodplain areas. However, when development encroaches upon floodplains, floods carry off pollutants from lawns, impervious surfaces and on-site sewage disposal systems and may pollute wells, and damage property. It is the intent of this EPOD to provide notice of flooding potential and to direct applicants to the proper section of the Town Law which governs development in areas with potential for flooding and to expand the review of such applications.

 

Delineation of district boundaries.
Areas subject to flooding are delineated on the county's Environmental Atlas maps. The locations and elevations of floodplains and floodways are identified on maps prepared by FEMA. These maps are on file in the Building Department.
 

Purpose and intent.
The purpose of the Stream Corridor Protection District is to provide special controls to guide land development within the major waterway corridors in the Town of Parma. The district encourages planning and development of land so as to protect and preserve sensitive environmental areas, to prevent soil erosion, sedimentation and slope failure due to removal of vegetation, dredging, filling, damming or channelization; to prevent degradation or loss of scenic views and the natural character of the area; and to prevent activities which degrade water quality or fish and wildlife habitat.

Delineation of district boundaries.
The boundaries of the Stream Corridor Protection District shall be based on a map with stream numbers prepared by the Conservation Board. The Stream Corridor Protection District shall extend a distance of 50 horizontal feet from the edge of each stream.

 

Purpose and intent.
The purpose of the Woodlot Protection District is to preserve and protect the aesthetic, wildlife habitat and air quality benefits of woodlots located within the Town of Parma. The controls and regulations of this district are designed to limit the potential adverse impacts of development actions on woodlots by managing development in these areas and by requiring review and permit approval prior to the start of construction.

Delineation of district boundaries.
The boundaries of the Woodlot Protection District shall be delineated on the Town of Parma EPOD Maps and shall include all areas in the Town of Parma with five or more contiguous acres of woodlots. Active orchards are not included in the district.
 

Purpose and intent.
New York State has determined that development in and near areas subject to coastal erosion and flooding may be hazardous to life and damaging to property. Legislation has been enacted to regulate development in these areas. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation administers this program under Article 34 of the Environmental Conservation Law. It is the intent of this EPOD to provide notice of coastal erosion potential, direct applicants to the proper review authorities, and coordinate activities with other reviewing agencies. It is not the intent to add any additional regulatory control or exercise any additional local authority over activities within these areas.

Delineation of district boundaries.
Areas subject to coastal erosion, and surrounding areas where DEC maintains jurisdiction over development activities, are identified on Official Coastal Erosion Maps prepared by NYSDEC. These maps are on file in the Town Building Department.