Transcript Environmentally Sensitive Areas Ordinance

Natural Resources Inventory and
the ESA Ordinance
ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS ORDINANCE
Ordinance Intent
• The intent of this Ordinance is to pursue two
equal goals:
– To provide and encourage measures of
protection to those properties identified as
Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA).
– To provide for equitable economic return in
consideration of protection and preservation
of ESA.
ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS ORDINANCE
Ordinance Purpose
• Identify and prioritize
environmentally sensitive areas;
• Aid developers in the creation of
their development plans;
• Aid City staff, the Planning Commission and City
Council in their assessment of development plans
in environmentally sensitive areas;
• Provide flexibility in the planning process when
needed to balance environmental and economic
goals.
ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS ORDINANCE
ESA Inventory
• 1995 - Inventory of
Natural Areas
• SEH $50,000
• St. Cloud State
University GIS $12,000
• 2001 – Addendum to
inventory annexed areas
• SEH - $30,000
ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS ORDINANCE
ESA Inventory
ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS ORDINANCE
ESA Inventory
ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS ORDINANCE
Ordinance Adoption
• 1998 - Ordinance
adopted by the City
Council
• 4 year process
• Drafting committee of
environmental,
developer, and agency
representatives
ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS ORDINANCE
ESA Framework
• Plan of immediate action
• Planning tools (L/M/H)
• Protection measures
Including overlay zoning district
• Public Involvement Tools
ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS ORDINANCE
Hierarchy of Protection
• Natural Heritage Areas and Rare Species.
The goal is that any development and
alterations take place outside these areas.
• High Priority Areas (Level I) - The goal is to
protect these areas and avoid any deterioration.
• Medium Priority Areas (Level II) - The goal is
to
conserve the quality of these areas while allowing minor
encroachment or disturbance.
• Low Priority Areas (Level III) - The goal is that design,
placement and construction techniques used in these areas
will enhance the general ambiance and character of the
natural resource area.
ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS ORDINANCE
Ordinance Process
• Environment and Development Team (EDT)
– 2 members selected by developer
– 2 members of the environmental community
from a list of qualified members chosen by the
Mayor
– 3 members of city staff (engineering, planning,
and parks)
• Provides recommendations regarding specific
development projects
ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS ORDINANCE
EDT Experiences
• 18 EDTs have been completed
• Mix of development projects reviewed:
–
–
–
–
12 residential
2 industrial projects
3 mixed use developments
1 park.
• 2,000 acres / 3 square miles covered by the 18
EDTs.
• 2,500 parcels platted in ESA subdivisions.
ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS ORDINANCE
ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS ORDINANCE
EDT Outcomes
• Successful in negotiating project layouts that
balance protection of environment and return on
investment.
• EDT discussions have led to positive changes to
development projects based upon diverse input.
• Willingness of developers and environmental
members to compromise has been key element
to success.
Future EDTs St. Cloud ESAs
ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS ORDINANCE
County Biological Survey
Future EDTs -
ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS ORDINANCE
Co. Wetland Review Natl. Wetland Inv.
ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS ORDINANCE
Environmental
Review Areas
ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS ORDINANCE
ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS ORDINANCE
ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS ORDINANCE