Natural Resources Inventory and the ESA 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

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

• Plan of immediate action • Planning tools (L/M/H)

• Protection measuresIncluding overlay zoning district

• Public Involvement Tools

ESA Framework

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

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

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.

ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS ORDINANCE

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ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS ORDINANCE

ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS ORDINANCE