Wetlands are a significant resource in Sacramento County. In our area, vernal pools are a prominent type of seasonal wetland. They are of particular note because they are the only habitat to a variety of rare, threatened, or endangered plant and animal species. Wetlands are regulated at the federal, state, and county level.
During the Initial Review of a project, aerial photographs may reveal the potential presence of wetlands on a project site. You may also be aware of seasonal wetlands or perennial wetlands on your project site. Projects on sites with wetlands may be asked to submit the following information as a part of the Planning application:
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Wetlands Delineation. In consultation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers submit a delineation of the existing wetlands on the subject property. Prior to submitting the map, the wetland delineation must be verified by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. If there will be any fill placed in on-site wetlands, then you will be required to obtain a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, pursuant to Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. Please contact the Corps regarding their permit requirements for this project and submit evidence of such contact with the Corps.
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Biological Inventory. A biological inventory, prepared by a qualified biologist, will determine if there are any listed or proposed rare, threatened, endangered, or candidate plant and animal species on State or Federal lists on the property. If listed species are found on the site, you will need to redesign the project or otherwise provide mitigation for impacts to these species based on consultation with the State Department of Fish and Game and/or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. A list of wetland/vernal pool consultants operating within the Sacramento Metropolitan area is available through our website.
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Wetland Preservation/Compensation Plan. County General Plan policy requires that the project result in no net loss of wetlands. If any wetlands will be impacted by the proposed development, provide a Wetland Preservation/Compensation Plan prepared by a qualified biologist which contains at least the following:
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Project Impact Description. Applicants may be asked to submit description of how the proposed project will impact wetlands on the project site including direct impacts and indirect impacts through changes to on-site drainage, if any.
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Proposed Mitigation Methods. Applicants may be asked to provide a complete description of mitigation methods proposed, including methods for wetland restoration, vegetation establishment and the location of mitigation efforts.
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Maintenance Plan. A description of long term maintenance and protection activities including the source of funding and personnel who will conduct these activities to assure permanent protection of the wetlands.
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Fencing Exhibit. An exhibit showing the location and type of any fencing that is proposed to protect the wetlands.
Please note that the result of your consultation with the Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service could significantly influence the content of the Wetland Mitigation Plan. The Wetland Mitigation Plan may include monetary compensation into the County Wetlands Restoration Trust Fund. Visit the
Biological Preservation page for more information on the Wetlands Mitigation Trust Fund.
