The purpose of the C district is to protect and preserve valuable natural resources, open space and visual character. Natural resource areas exhibit diversity and balance, including prairie, hillsides, forestland, waters of the state, wetlands, stormwater facilities, and floodplains, and are managed for nature-based recreation and education activities.

Consistent with the purposes expressed above, the intent of this chapter is to conserve the city's existing natural resource base and to protect it from development which will have the tendency of creating hazards for residents of the city or which may interfere with the uses of adjoining parcels of property or which will diminish the natural environment in and adjoining the city. All land that has been legally deeded to the city or land that has had a conservancy zone, outlots and land that has a conservation easement recorded on it as part of a transferable development right may be rezoned to C Conservancy zone.

(Ord. 2009-10, § 1, 8-25-09)

A.

Conservation areas including, but not limited to, wilderness areas, watershed areas, wildlife refuges, wetland and forestry.

B.

Stormwater management facilities.

C.

Harvesting of wild crops such as marsh hay, ferns, moss, berries, tree fruits and tree seeds.

(Ord. 2009-10, § 1, 8-25-09; Ord. No. 2018-01, § 4, 1-23-2018)

A.

City initiated pathways and bridges.

B.

City-owned accessory structures for storage of equipment.

(Ord. 2009-10, § 1, 8-25-09)

A.

Dams, water well, reservoirs, storage tank, power plants and related equipment.

B.

Wind towers and sewage treatment facilities.

C.

Campgrounds.

D.

Such other open space land uses not listed in this section which demonstrate consistency with the purpose and intent for this chapter as expressed under section 17.56.010 and which are approved of as special permit uses by the common council upon recommendation of the plan commission.

E.

Each use listed in this section as a special use shall require a special use permit, issued by the common council upon recommendation of the plan commission. The issuance of such a permit may be subject to conditions established by the common council. For special uses in the conservancy district the plan commission shall take into consideration such issues as the need for erosion control, landscaping, architectural style, pedestrian movement and safety, refuse control and disposal, together with such other and further concerns which on a case by case basis pertain to maintaining the integrity and purpose of the conservancy district.

(Ord. 2009-10, § 1, 8-25-09)