(a) Purpose and Intent. The environmental analysis is intended to protect the environmental integrity of land within the municipality and address identified municipal concerns. This provision is also intended to ensure ample provisions for the efficient use of land and to promote high standards in layout and design. The environmental analysis supplements the provisions of the Subdivision Regulations and site development plans. The purpose of this section is to state the specific requirements applicable to the development of land in environmentally sensitive areas, and to prescribe the standards for the preparation and submission of an environmental analysis.
(b) Environmental Analysis Required. Before any use or development involving new construction, reconstruction or expansion of structures can begin, an environmental analysis shall be required and shall be submitted if any portion of the parcel(s) meets one or more of the following criteria:
(1) The parcel is located in the 100-year floodplain.
(2) The parcel contains one or more wetlands.
(3) Fifteen percent or more of the soil is hydric or contains hydric soil inclusions.
(4) The parcel contains a stream or other natural water feature.
(5) The parcel contains an agricultural drainage ditch.
(6) Twenty-five percent or more of the total area of the parcel has slopes over 20%.
(7) Twenty-five percent or more of the site is woodlands, as defined in Chapter 1133.
(c) Exemptions. No zoning district shall be exempt from this requirement.
(d) Preparation. The environmental analysis shall be prepared by persons professionally qualified to do such work. Every analysis shall consist of a map identifying all of the features outlined in division (b) of this section and a report detailing the approximate size of each of the features illustrated on the map and the mitigation strategies that will be used by the owner/developer in these areas. The map shall be prepared at a scale of one inch equals 500 feet or less. One copy of the map and report shall be submitted to the Planning and Zoning Administrator for review.
(e) Decision. Once the environmental analysis is submitted to the Planning and Zoning Administrator, the Planning and Zoning Administrator has ten calendar days to review the analysis. If the Planning and Zoning Administrator determines that the analysis is complete, the Planning and Zoning Administrator shall certify such in writing to the property owner/developer. If the Planning and Zoning Administrator determines that the environmental analysis is incomplete or lacks utilization of the most current data, the Planning and Zoning Administrator shall certify such in writing to the property owner/developer. The property owner/developer then has ten calendar days to submit a revised analysis for consideration.
(Ord. 2020-10, passed 6-15-2020)