What is the critical area buffer and may I clear the buffer for a view?
A. The critical area buffer is a naturally vegetated area, or an area established in vegetation and managed to protect aquatic, wetland, shoreline, and terrestrial environments from man-made disturbances. The buffer is a minimum of 100 feet and includes slopes of 15% or more, hydric soils, and highly erodible soils. The buffer is expanded 4 feet for every 1% of slope, if the slope is over 15%, or to the top of the slope, whichever is greater in extent. The buffer is measured horizontally from mean high tide, edge of tidal wetlands, or tributary streams. The critical area buffer may not be cleared for a view.
