Floyds Fork DRO
Jefferson County Division of Planning and Development Services

Stream Corridors

a. A buffer strip should be maintained a minimum of 100 feet wide on each side of Floyds Fork and a 50-foot wide strip on each side along tributaries shown on Map A. Steep slopes extending beyond the minimum buffer strip may necessitate a wider buffer. The buffer strip is to be measured from the ordinary high water mark. Riparian vegetation* should be established, as necessary, and maintained along stream banks to stabilize the banks and protect water quality. Where a bank has been denuded of its vegetation through erosion, slope failure or similar occurrence, other vegetation such as KY-31 Fescue may be appropriate to quickly establish a vegetative cover. This should be considered however only as a temporary, interim solution. Selective removal of dying or diseased trees and shrubs within the buffer strip is permissible, provided that a live root system stays intact. Native plant material adequate for filtering surface draining should be maintained within the buffer strip. (Note: Small lots within the buffer strip will not be prevented from developing.)

b. Structures and impervious surfaces should be located at least 200 feet from each bank along Floyds Fork measured from the ordinary high water mark. In conjunction with the riparian vegetative buffer, this buffer protects the stream from adjacent development by filtering sediment, removing other pollution and reducing the force of runoff. In addition hazards from floods and erosion are reduced for development adjacent to the stream. (Note: Small lots within the buffer strip will not be prevented from developing.) *Underlined terms are defined in the glossary.

c. Measures to avoid stream bank erosion are especially desirable; although limited grazing is beneficial to vegetation, excessive grazing of livestock near streams can be detrimental to vegetation and reduce the effectiveness of the buffer strip.

d. In areas experiencing stream bank erosion, planting of native riparian vegetation is preferred. If this stabilization technique is determined to be inadequate by the agency responsible for drainage review, the preferred alternative is riprap that is installed in a manner that allows tree growth among the stones.

e. Structures, impervious surfaces, septic systems and associated fill slopes should not be located within the floodplain. Stream crossings are an exception to this; crossings should be minimized and be aesthetically compatible with the natural values of the stream channel.

f. Filling and excavation should not be permitted in the floodplain. Floodplains are recommended for agricultural and recreational use.

g. Modification of streams shown on Map A, including stream relocation and channelization, is strongly discouraged. Watercourse modification as a convenience for site design purposes it not appropriate. Removal of fallen trees, tree limbs, brush and similar debris that accumulate naturally in creek beds and impede stream flow is acceptable.

[Table of Contents]

For additional information regarding development and land use controls within the Floyds Fork DRO contact the Jefferson County Division of Planning and Development Services, 531 Court Place – 9^th Floor, Louisville, KY 40202, (502) 574-6230.

Warning: Some Web sites to which these materials provide links for the convenience of users are not managed by the Jefferson County Public School System. JCPS takes no responsibility for the contents of those sites. Comments, suggestions, or error reporting about this page and its links should be sent to the webmaster - currently David Wicks, Louisville, KY.