Objective 4.1.2. - Coastal Planning Area Emergent Vegetation and Upland Habitat Protection.

Maintain or increase the amount of native habitat in the Coastal Planning Area to:

• Retain habitat for native species;

• Provide natural areas for passive enjoyment by local residents and visitors;

• Provide filtration of pollutants for runoff to coastal waters;

• Preserve habitat for juvenile fish;

• Preserve the unique natural character of the County's coastlines; and

• Prevent the intrusion of invasive species which provide inferior habitat.

Policy 4.1.2.1. Require developments within the Coastal Planning Area to preserve representative tracts of native upland communities. [See policies under Objective 3.3.2]

Implementation Mechanism(s):

(a)

Maintain land development regulations to require projects encompassing native upland vegetative communities to specify the complete or partial preservation of such communities.

(b)

Encourage preservation of native upland vegetative communities as part of any mitigation activities as required in Policies 3.3.1.3 and 3.3.1.4.

Policy 4.1.2.2. Prohibit the alteration of coastal wetland habitat except for:

(1)

Instances of proposed water-dependent uses;

(2)

Cases of overriding public interest, such as natural resource restoration activities, the location of public access facilities for public recreational facilities, or deep water port facilities; or

(3)

When necessary to avoid the taking of private property.

Implementation Mechanism:

(a)

Review proposed alterations to coastal wetlands for compliance with this policy and consistent with the policies under Objective 3.3.1.

Policy 4.1.2.3. [Reserved]

Policy 4.1.2.4. Review all proposed land developments for compatibility with, and determination of cumulative impacts on, adjacent natural marine resource areas.

Implementation Mechanism:

(a)

Review all land development applications for cumulative effects on adjacent natural marine resource areas in the Coastal Planning Area.

Policy 4.1.2.5. Buffers larger than fifty (50) feet adjacent to environmentally sensitive coastal wetlands may be required during the development review process, as necessary to prevent degradation due to proposed development and to discourage trimming of mangroves and loss of habitat.

Implementation Mechanism:

(a)

Review of development proposals adjacent to coastal wetlands for compliance with this policy in coordination with policy 3.3.1.5.

Policy 4.1.2.6. Protect natural beaches and dunes from the cumulative impacts of adjacent development. [See Policies 4.4.2.5 and 4.4.2.6]

Implementation Mechanism:

(a)

Review projects to ensure policy compliance.

Policy 4.1.2.7. Encourage the restoration and enhancement of disturbed or degraded natural coastal resources.

Implementation Mechanism:

(a)

Review of all proposed development in the Coastal Planning Area. (See policies under Objectives 3.3.1 and 3.3.2).

(b)

County identification and pursuit of projects for which restoration and enhancement are feasible.

(c)

Support the conversion of nuisance exotic vegetation and/or hard surfaces along the shoreline to native coastal vegetation.

(Ord. No. 18-04 , § 8(Exh. F), 8-23-18)