The Stream Protection District is created as one of the Shoreland Zones, pursuant to the Department of Environmental Protection Shoreland Zoning Guidelines. This district creates a buffer around all streams as defined by this chapter, as mandated in the DEP rules. The purpose of this district is to protect these streams from the adverse impacts of development, and to protect productive habitat, biological ecosystems, and scenic and natural values.

The Stream Protection District includes all land areas within 75 feet, horizontal distance, of the normal high-water line of a stream, exclusive of those areas within 250 feet, horizontal distance, of the normal high-water line of a great pond, or river, or within 250 feet, horizontal distance, of the upland edge of a freshwater wetland. Where a stream and its associated shoreland area are located within 250 feet, horizontal distance, of the above water bodies or wetlands, that land area shall be regulated under the terms of the shoreland zoning district associated with that water body or wetland.

There are no density standards for the Stream Protection District because most activities are prohibited. In addition, no portion of any lot created after the original effective date of this standard and lying within the Stream Protection District may be used to meet the dimensional requirements of other districts in which the remainder of the lot is situated.

The permitted uses are those indicated in Article V of this chapter.