(A) A Sensitive Development Area is defined as any land(s) or soil(s) proposed to be subdivided that, if subjected to improper use or management, is otherwise determined to be incapable or unsuitable of urban use. Sensitive Development Areas can also be considered those lands that pose special hazards to development or the environment, consisting of lands or soils of such sensitive character that they may require special use, design and engineering restrictions.
(B) For the Preliminary Subdivision Plat, the applicant must create an inventory of sensitive areas identified in Section 402 (d) 1-8 from publicly available resources such as OEPA, ODNR, HAPC, FEMA, USFWS, OHPO, OKI, Butler County Soil and Water Conservation District, and other public entities. This information shall be provided with the preliminary application. Design of the subdivision shall be based on a site analysis provided by the applicant.
(C) After the approval of the Preliminary Subdivision Plat, the applicant must develop a detailed site analysis of sensitive environmental areas on the site, conducted by firm(s) specialized in the areas, at a minimum: Ecological Survey, and Environmental Site Assessment. Other documentation may be required based on the site and the discretion of the Planning Commission, including, but not limited to: Stream and Wetland Mitigation, Water Way Permits, Archaeological Inventory, Historic Architecture Inventory. The applicant must also provide report of the analyses following current professional norms for the discipline. It will be the Planning Commission's role to review information submitted by the applicant on each discipline to make the recommendations to City Council
(D) Design of the subdivision shall be based on the site analysis provided by the applicant. To the maximum extent practicable, development shall be located to preserve the natural features of the site, to avoid areas of environmental sensitivity, and to minimize negative impacts and alterations of natural features. The following specific areas shall be preserved as undeveloped open space, and in accordance with the U.S. and Ohio Constitutions and state or federal regulations:
(1) Unique and/or fragile areas, including wetlands, as may be defined in Section 404, Federal Clean Water Act, as amended; and in Ohio Environmental Protection Agency standards.
(2) Land in the floodway as identified and mapped using the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Flood Hazard Boundary Maps. Federal Emergency Management Agency in scientific and engineering reports entitled 'Flood Insurance Study for Butler County, Ohio and Incorporated Areas' effective 12/17/2010, with accompanying Flood Insurance Rate Maps for Butler County, Ohio and Incorporated Areas effective 12/17/2010 and any revisions thereto are hereby adopted by reference and declared to be part of this chapter.
(3) Steep slopes fifteen (15%) percent or more, unless appropriate engineering measures concerning slope stability, erosion, and resident safety are taken into account.
(4) Habitats of endangered wildlife, as identified on federal and state lists.
(5) Historically and culturally significant structures and sites, as listed on, but not limited to, the National Register of Historical Places or on the local inventory of historic places maintained by the City of Oxford's Historic Architectural Preservation Commission.
(6) Aquifers and tributary drainage systems.
(7) Tree growth areas or urban forested areas containing native mature trees.
(8) Any area as identified on Map 3.3 of the Comprehensive Plan.
(E) The development shall be laid out to avoid adversely affecting groundwater and aquifer recharge; to reduce excavation and embankment; to avoid unnecessary impervious cover; to prevent flooding; to provide adequate access to lots and sites; and, to mitigate adverse effects of noise, odor, traffic, drainage, and utilities on neighboring properties. The placement of buildings shall take into consideration topography, building height, orientation and drainage. Storm Water Best Management Practices and Low Impact Development Designs are desirable and encouraged. City guidelines for these practices and designs can be found in the City of Oxford Storm Water Management Design Manual.
(F) If the Planning Commission, or its designated representative, may require the applicant to submit a statement in order to demonstrate that satisfactory efforts have been made to mitigate any special hazards posed to the site if these sensitive lands are subjected to improper use or management. The statement, if required, shall be submitted in one or more of the following forms:
(1) The statement shall describe in detail the extent of encroachment on any Sensitive Development Area, the extent and nature of the proposed alteration, the environmental impacts resulting from the proposed alteration, and the proposed methods of mitigation.
(2) A Geotechnical Report and/or a Wetlands Assessment/Delineation, prepared by a professional engineer, licensed in the State of Ohio, or by a specialist in Streams and Wetland. This report can be in lieu of a development narrative.
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(Ord. 3432. Passed 9-19-17.)