The policy of the City shall be to use all practicable means and measures to create and maintain conditions under which man and nature can exist in productive harmony and fulfill the social, economic and other requirements of present and future generations. Every resident has a responsibility to the environment. There is a need to understand the relationship between the maintenance of high quality ecological systems and the general welfare of the people of the City, including their enjoyment of the natural resources of the City. It is the intent of the City that the protection and enhancement of the environment shall be given appropriate weight with social and economic consideration in public policy. Social, economic and environmental factors shall be considered together in reaching decisions on proposed activities. In order to carry out the provisions of this Section 1152.05, it is the continuing responsibility of the City to use all practicable means, consistent with other essential considerations, to improve and coordinate plans, facilities, program and resources to the end that the City may:
(1) Fulfill the responsibilities of each generation as trustee of the environment for succeeding generations.
(2) Assure for all residents safe, healthful, productive and aesthetically and culturally pleasing surroundings.
(3) Attain the widest range of beneficial uses of the environment without degradation, risk to health or safety or other undesirable and unintended consequences.
(4) Preserve important historic, cultural and natural aspects of our heritage, and maintain, wherever possible, an environment which supports diversity and variety of individual choice.
(5) Achieve a balance between growth and resource use which will permit high standards of living and wide sharing of life's amenities.
(6) Enhance the quality of renewable resources and approach the optimum attainable recycling of depletable resources.
(b) Required Information. Each environmental assessment report prepared in accordance with this Section 1152.05 shall include the following:
(1) A description of the proposed action;
(2) A description of the existing environmental setting;
(3) The favorable and adverse environmental impacts of the proposed action;
(4) The means and estimated costs necessary to minimize the adverse impacts;
(5) Identification of alternatives to the proposed action including their impact on the environment;
(6) Identification of any irreversible commitment of natural resources as a result of the proposed action;
(7) The growth-inducing aspects of the proposed action as related to natural resources; and
(8) A calculation of the recommended maximum residential density, if applicable.
(c) Review of Environmental Assessment Report. The environmental assessment report shall be presented to the Planning and Zoning Commission along with the site plan or proposal under consideration. Prior to any determination on the proposed project, the Planning and Zoning Commission shall review and consider the environmental assessment report together with any comments submitted by the administrative departments or others.
(d) Basis for Approval. The Planning and Zoning Commission shall not grant preliminary approval of any project or development unless it finds that the environmental impact of the project or development shall be in harmony with the City’s present development, and shall not have adverse effects on the physical or cultural environment.
(Ord. 2004-183. Passed 11-22-04.)