07-20-2009 Planning Commission Packet

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[ Y 09-3416 9 July 2009 Page 4 of 5 have been delineated; the appropriate buffer widths and setbacks have been indicated on the survey. John Smyth, the City's wetland specialist, has conducted a review of the wetlands and the property. As mentioned earlier in this report, the City will require a Flowage and Conservation Easement over all wetlands designated on the site. The MCWD is the City's LGU for administration of the Wetland Conservation Act rules.y Rural Oasis, Conservation Design 8�Woodland Impacts The existing wooded area at the southern portion of the property adjacent to the Luce Line Trail would be relatively'untouched as the lot setbacks and wetland buffer and buffer setbacks contain most of the wooded areas. The Rural Oasis Study and Conservation Design Master Planning process has been formulated to help determine on a case-by-case basis what values should be preserved. The purpose of Conservation Design is summarized in the draft Conservation Design ordinance that is pending: Sec. 78-1631 Purpose and Intent. The City of Orono finds that there is an intrinsic link befinreen the natural systems and the valued scenic character that exist throughout the community. The requirements of this Conservation Design ordinance are meant to preserve and enhance this ecological/aesthetic character by requiring: 1) protection and enhancement of drainageways and water quality; 2) protection and enhancement of ecological communities; 3) reinforcement and establishment of ecological connections throughout the � City; 4) augmentation and preservation of enclosure and buffering; 5) preservation and improvement of views; and 6) preservation or reinterpretation of local landmarks. Conservation Design is defined in the draft ordinance as follows: Conservation Desiqn - A two-phased approach to design and development . that maintains or improves ecological assets, provides infrastructure that works with the land, and incorporates people's instinctive desire to experience nature. Some Conservation Design strategies include: identifying and avoiding sensitive natural features, planning roads along contours, allowing lots to border natural open space, integrating ecological stormwater management, using smaller lots, and educating developer and buyers about the ecological values of the landscape. The first phase entails an inventory and analysis of the potential development site's natural features, existing land uses, and wetland delineation. The second phase entails analyzing the design implications of the findings from the initial phase, alternative stormwater design, and a conceptual design for road and lot layouts. Discussion Given that the City has not formally adopted Conservation Design standards, the Planning Commission should discuss whether or not to require the developer to work with a consultant to define the ecological values of the site and establish an ecological restoration and management plan. If so a plan should be developed which outlines measures for preserving the ecological assets unique to this property.