Objective 2.9.4. - Community Image.

Develop an aesthetically pleasing environment which enhances the image of Manatee County as a high quality community in which to live, work, and visit.

Policy 2.9.4.1 Maintain all interstate connectors as "Entranceways" to permit implementation of special landscaping, project design, and signage control criteria to achieve a boulevard image and positive sense of place.

Implementation Mechanism:

(a)

Implement and maintain land development regulations for entranceways.

Policy 2.9.4.2. Develop Corridor Plans on primary travel routes into and through the urban area of Manatee County to create a positive sense of place.

Implementation Mechanism(s):

(a)

Adoption of Corridor Plans.

(b)

County revisions to the land development regulations as appropriate to implement Corridor Plans.

(c)

Capital improvement programming consistent with adopted Corridor Plans.

Policy 2.9.4.3. Maintain appropriate sign regulations, landscaping requirements, special setbacks, building and site design criteria, and other appropriate limitations on the use of land, to create and maintain an aesthetically pleasing environment.

Implementation Mechanism:

(a)

Maintain Land Development Code provisions to implement this policy.

Policy 2.9.4.4. Protect natural waterfront vistas as a defining characteristic of Manatee County. Protection measures may include, but not be limited to the following:

Waterfront setbacks and buffers,

Plantings of native vegetation,

Maintaining conservation areas in public or joint ownership arrangements,

Provisions for joint boat docking facilities,

Limitations on height and size of structures.

(Refer to Objective 4.1.2 and associated policies)

Implementation Mechanism:

(a)

Maintain regulations in the Land Development Code to implement this policy.

Policy 2.9.4.5. Develop a program to plant and manage trees in public street rights-of-way and other public lands wherever practical, thereby adding to the aesthetic appeal of urbanizing areas and providing habitat for urban wildlife.

Implementation Mechanism(s):

(a)

Coordination with Keep Manatee Beautiful, Inc. and FDOT to implement this policy.

(b)

Expend funds from the Tree Trust Fund consistent with this policy.

Policy 2.9.4.6. Reduce noise and pollution, promote an aesthetically pleasing environment, and promote water conservation through the use of native landscaping materials. Landscaping requirements shall allow a choice of:

(1)

Planting of native vegetation, guaranteeing that at least fifty (50) percent of all plantings incorporated in an approved landscape plan for any project after development consists of native vegetation suitable to that site; or

(2)

Guaranteeing that at least sixty (60) percent of all post-development vegetation is indigenous to Manatee County.

Implementation Mechanism:

(a)

Revision to the Land Development Code to achieve compliance with this policy as appropriate.

(Ord. No. 16-23, § 6(Exh. D), 9-19-16; Ord. No. 18-04 , § 6(Exh. D), 8-23-18)