Except as provided below, all development shall be located outside of the required buffer strip.
a. The buffer strip requirement shall not apply to development which is appurtenant to the production, supply, distribution or storage of water by a public water supplier.
b. Encroachment into or through the required buffer by roads, main-line utilities, or stormwater management structures may be permitted by the zoning administrator provided the following performance standards are met:
1. Road and main-line utility crossings will be limited to the shortest path possible and that which causes the least amount of land disturbance and alteration to the hydrology of the watershed.
2. Stormwater management facilities located within the buffer must be designed to be a part of a watershed stormwater management program.
3. No more land shall be disturbed than is necessary.
4. Indigenous vegetation shall be preserved to the maximum extent possible.
5. Wherever possible, disturbed areas shall be planted with trees and shrubs.
6. The post-development non-point source pollutant loading rate shall be no greater than ninety percent (90%) of the pre-development pollutant loading rate.
7. Non-essential elements of the road or utility project, as determined by the zoning administrator, shall be excluded from the buffer.
c. When the property where an encroachment is proposed is owned by the entity owning and operating the water supply reservoir being protected, and such entity specifically and in writing authorizes and approves the encroachment, it shall be allowed.