Definition
Environmental Protection Area signage is the act of erecting signs along the boundary of sensitive environmental features within residential subdivisions to alert citizens to their presence and the need for good environmental stewardship in these areas.
Purpose
The purpose of Environmental Protection Area signage is to protect sensitive environmental features from secondary impacts after completion of construction activities. Waters of the U. S., including wetlands, Resource Protection Areas, and Stream Protection Areas should be maintained only as natural areas, with minimal alterations, in order that they may function properly within the watershed.
Design Criteria
Spacing: Generally, the signs will be located on the lot lines at the intersection of the landward edge of the wetlands, RPA buffer, or 50-foot stream protection buffer, and at other locations which will approximately delineate the wetland/RPA boundary/stream protection buffer boundary. Additional signs will be located as necessary such that the spacing between two consecutive signs does not exceed 100 feet. Signs will be equally spaced between the signs on the lot lines.
Location: As noted, the signs will be located on the lot lines at the intersection of the landward edge of the wetlands, RPA, or stream protection buffer and at other locations which will approximately delineate the wetland, RPA, or stream protection buffer boundary. Any additional signs required to meet the spacing requirements must be located on the wetland, RPA, or stream protection buffer delineation line.
Installation: Where possible, the signs will be mounted to a tree larger than three (3) inches in diameter at breast height. The signs must be mounted between four (4) and six (6) feet above the ground surface. Where it is not possible to mount the sign to a tree, a treated wood 4 by 4 or a metal signpost must be installed. The post must extend below the ground surface at least 24 inches. Again, the signs will be mounted between four (4) and six (6) feet above the ground surface. Signs can be obtained at the Public Works building on Woodman Road. Please call your E&S inspector to schedule pick up of EPA signs.
