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Santa Clara Valley Water Resources Protection Collaborative

The Santa Clara Valley Water Resources Protection Collaborative (Water Collaborative) was established in 2002, bringing together the County of Santa Clara, the Santa Clara Valley Water District, 15 cities, and various other governmental and non-governmental entities to promote stream protection, and to develop a consensus-based, more unified approach to land use and development near streams.

The Water Collaborative concluded the most significant of its efforts in 2006 with the adoption of the “GUIDELINES & STANDARDS FOR LAND USE NEAR STREAMS: A Manual of Tools, Standards, and Procedures to Protect Streams and Streamside Resource in Santa Clara County.”In May of 2007, the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution  approving the use of the “Guidelines & Standards” publication and related informational materials by County agencies and departments in the conduct of their missions and functions, including review of development applications and in the design and construction of County projects.

With the completion of its primary goals and responsibilities, the Collaborative has agreed to continue to meet and discuss issues related to the implementation of the Guidelines & Standards on an annual basis, to share information and insights, discuss possible improvements to standards and procedures, and generally promote further efforts to improve stream environments.

A series of seven informational handouts (see below) has been developed by the Santa Clara Valley Water District for adoption and use by all participating local governments and non-governmental organizations, providing an overview or summary of key information.

1.  Frequently Asked Questions

2.  Resource Agency Referrals

3.  How to Be a Good Stream Steward

4.  Bank Stability for Structures Built Near Streams

5a. Creekwise Use of Native Plants  

5b. Creekwise Use of Ornamental or Non-Native Plants  

6.  Temporary Erosion Control

7.  Grading and Drainage

The Santa Clara County Planning Office has supplemented the informational handouts with additional materials <link>.

For further information, contact Bill Shoe, Principal Planner at <bill.shoe(a)pln.sccgov.org> or 408-299-5749, or Rob Eastwood, Senior Planner, at <rob.eastwood(a)pln.sccgov.org> or 408-299-5792.

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