05/10/2006 P&Z Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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1 The Preserve, page 3 Growth Management: As a conservation development, this project is not subject to the annual growth limits on the number of units, as stated in Ordinance 24 -04. Most of the site's developable land is already within the current MUSA, though 3.25 acres is needed. We have ample MUSA reserve to accommodate this small amount. Conservation Development: Ordinance 24 -04 amends the growth management policy to encourage conservation development by allowing a conservation development project to exceed the annual growth limits if it results in public values above those achievable under conventional development. The public values in the ordinance include but are not limited to the following: a. Preserving more natural open space than required under current ordinances and development policies The site includes over 37 acres of wetland, about 71 % of the total property. Only 5930 sf of wetland fill is proposed. The proposal includes a conservation plan that will restore and enhance large areas of the wetlands and other open space.. b. Reducing the extent of impervious surfaces and size of the development footprint Compared to standard development, road pavement will be narrower and front setbacks reduced. This allows for house pads to be farther from wetlands. c. Restoring /enhancing ecological systems on the site as part of the development process The project design and a management plan include: • preserving and protecting wet prairie remnants • restoring native vegetation of wetlands • removing invasive vegetation and invasive species • re- introducing diverse, native species to wetlands • minimizing impacts to wetlands and significant trees (as identified in tree inventory) • tree replacement to compensate for loss of hardwoods • upland buffers: removing invasive species and planting native species • serious effort to avoid significant natural features such as rare plant populations, rare natural community remnants when designing lots and pads d. Protecting off -site ecological systems through increased buffering The wetlands form a large buffer from lands to the east and south The restoration and management plan for this project includes removing invasive species and planting and management of native species. e. Ensuring long -term natural resource stewardship through an endowment program sponsored by the developer The project includes a stewardship plan that includes an endowment. The financial details have yet to be finalized. f. Providing public park and trail opportunities consistent with or in excess of the System Plan