04-19-2010 Planning Commission Packet

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PC Exhibit H ARTICLE XII. CONSERVATION DESIGN DIVISION 1. GENERALLY Sec. 78-1631. Purpose and intent. The City of Orono as a result of the Rural Oasis Study conducted in 2005 finds that there is an intrinsic link between 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 ecologicaUaesthetic 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 viewsheds including corridor enclosure and buffering; (5)preservation and improvement of views; and(6)preservation or reinterpretation of local landmarks. (Ord.No. 67 3rd series, § 1, 1-11-2010) Sec. 78-1632. Applicability. The Conservation Design Master Planning requirements of this article apply to all proposed residential subdivisions or multi-unit residential developments greater than five acres in total area or guided for urban density (greater than one unit per two acres). (Ord.No. 67 3rd series, § l, 1-11-2010) Sec. 78-1633. Definitions. The following words,terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning: Conservation design means 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. Minnesota Land Cover Classification System (MLCCS) means the Minnesota Land Cover Classification System (MLCCS) displays data on naturaUsemi-natural and cultural cover types at the highest level of classification. The next four levels of classification each reveal further specifications such as plant types, soil hydrology, impervious surfaces and plant species. Using MLCCS data is the first step in producing a natural resource inventory of a development site.