The Conservancy District is established to preserve and perpetuate in an open state certain areas, such as wetlands and slopes greater than 18% in grade which, because of their physical features, are desirable as water retention areas, natural habitat for plant and animal life, green space or other beneficial uses.

(Ord. 2013-05, passed 5-20-2013)

   Areas included in the Conservancy District are unsuitable for residential, business, industrial and most institutional development due to flooding, high water table, wetland conditions, restrictive soil conditions, steep slopes and/or natural or wildlife habitat. The CD – Conservancy District may be applied only when over 30% of the total parcel proposed for rezoning is comprised of wetlands and/or steep slopes.

(Ord. 2013-05, passed 5-20-2013)

   The following are permitted uses within the CD – Conservancy District.

   (A)   Permanent open space.

   (B)   Public and private natural conservation areas.

   (C)   Essential services, public or government utility services.

   (D)   Emergency access as approved by the City Council.

   (E)   Recreational trails.

   (F)   Low impact, passive recreational activities such as hiking/biking and non-permanent picnic amenities (i.e. picnic tables).

   (G)   Harvesting of wild crops such as marsh grasses, hay, berries, tree fruit, and seeds.

   (H)   Forest and game management area.

(Ord. 2013-05, passed 5-20-2013)

   (A)   The following are conditional uses within the CD – Conservancy District, subject to the standards of this section.

      (1)   Public parks, public campgrounds, public recreational areas, and historic monuments.

      (2)   Active play and recreational facilities.

      (3)   Non-publicly owned recreational facilities.

   (B)   A conditional use permit may be approved only if all of the following findings of fact are found to exist:

      (1)   The proposed conditional use shall not increase the height or duration of floodwater in any watercourse.

      (2)   The proposed conditional use shall not be inconsistent with the objectives of encouraging land uses compatible with the preservation of the natural land forms, vegetation, wildlife, marshes, and wetlands within the city.

      (3)   The proposed conditional use shall not disturb land and water areas essential to continue the temporary or permanent holding of surface water runoff.

      (4)   The criteria in § 154.047 Conditional Use Permits are determined to be met.

   (C)   The applicant shall be responsible for submitting engineering data, surveys, site plans, and other information as the city may require and bear the burden of proof that the proposed conditional use does not conflict with the standards identified in § 154.182.

(Ord. 2013-05, passed 5-20-2013)