(a)

Purpose and intent. It is the intent of this article to require that an appropriate amount of land shall be set aside to protect habitat of rare, endangered, or special concern plant and animal species.

(b)

Applicability. Areas subject to the standards of this article shall be those identified in the Conservation Element of the Baldwin Comprehensive Plan as habitat for rare and endangered species, threatened species, or species of special concern.

(Ord. No. 2013-01, § 5(Attach., § 5.05.00), 7-9-13)

(a)

When required. A habitat management plan shall be prepared as a prerequisite to the approval of any development proposed on a site of ten (10) or more acres.

(b)

Contents. The habitat management plan shall be prepared by an ecologist, biologist, or other related professional. The plan shall document the presence of affected species, the land needs of the species that may be met on the development site, and shall recommend appropriate habitat management plans and other measures to protect these species.

(c)

Conformity of final development plan. The final development plan approved for a development shall substantially conform to the recommendations in the habitat management plan.

(d)

Preservation of land. Where land on a proposed development site is to be preserved as habitat of rare and endangered, threatened, or special concern species, such land shall be adjacent to existing viable habitat, a significant wetland system, floodplain, or wildlife corridor. If such lands are not adjacent to the development site, land to be set aside shall be of such quantity and quality as to provide viable habitat, as documented in the study required by this section.

(e)

Fee in lieu. As an alternative to preservation of land, the town may establish a fee-in-lieu-of-land program, whereby the developer can purchase land which will provide a significant habitat.

(Ord. No. 2013-01, § 5(Attach., § 5.05.01), 7-9-13)