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HomeMy WebLinkAboutREDTAIL RESIDENTIAL - PDP - 26-01 - CORRESPONDENCE - CITY STAFF (7)• Page 3 April 22, 2003 Natural features shall mean (a) natural springs, (b) areas of topography which, because of their steepness, erosion characteristics/geologic formations, high visibility from off -site locations and/or presence of rock outcroppings, and (c) view corridors which present vistas to mountains and foothills, water bodies, open spaces and other regions of principal environmental importance, provided that such natural features are either identified on the city's Natural Areas Inventory Map, or otherwise meet the definition of natural area as contained in this Article. Please contact me if you have any questions related to this letter. Sincerely, Doug Moore Environmental Planner City of Fort Collins Natural Resources Department (970) 224-6143 Enclosure (1) cc: Greg Byrne, Community Planning and Environmental Services Cameron Gloss, Current Planning Department Troy Jones, Current Planning • Page 2 (i) Mule deer winter concentration areas;. Q) Prairie dog colonies over fifty (50) acres in size; (k) Concentration areas for rare, migrant or resident butterflies; (1) Areas of high terrestrial or aquatic insect diversity; (m) Areas of significant geological or paleontological interest; and (n) Irrigation ditches that serve as wildlife corridors. April 22, 2003 (B) Purpose. The purpose of this Section is to ensure that when property is developed consistent with its zoning designation, the way in which the proposed physical elements of the development plan are designed and arranged on the site will protect the natural habitats and features both on the site and in the vicinity of the site. (C) General Standard. To the maximum extent feasible, the development plan shall be designed and arranged to be compatible with and to protect natural habitats and features and the plants and animals that inhabit them and integrate them within the developed landscape of the community by: (1) directing development away from sensitive resources, (2) minimizing impacts and disturbance through the use of buffer zones, (3) enhancing existing conditions, or (4) restoring or replacing the resource value lost to the community (either on -site or off -site) when a development proposal will result in the disturbance of natural habitats or features. 3.4.1(D) Ecological Characterization and Natural Habitat or Feature Boundary Definition. (E) Establishment of Buffer Zones. For every development subject to this Division, the applicant shall propose, and the decision maker shall approve, on the project development plan buffer zone(s) surrounding natural habitats and features. The purpose of the buffer zones is to protect the ecological character of the natural habitat or natural feature from the impacts of the ongoing activity associated with the development. 5.1.2 Definitions. Maximum extent feasible shall mean that no feasible and prudent alternative exists, and all possible efforts to comply with the regulation or minimize potential harm or adverse impacts have been undertaken. Natural area shall mean all areas shown as "natural areas" on the city's Natural Areas Inventory Map. Any land that qualifies as a "wetland" pursuant to the Federal Clean Water Act shall also be deemed a natural area, in addition to the areas designated as wetlands on the city's Natural Areas Inventory Map. Any land area that possesses such characteristics as would have supported its inclusion on the National Areas Inventory Map, if such area is discovered during site evaluation and/or reconnaissance associated with the development review process, shall also be deemed a natural area as provided in Section 3.4.1(C)(1)(a). Natural area bufferzone shall mean any area described and established pursuant to Section 3.4.1(C). DDaatte: April 22, 20031 L� -- - ----- -- - Jon Prouty, President Lagunitas Companies, Building D Fort Collins, CO 80525 Dear Mr. Prouty: Subject. City of Fort Collins Land Use Code Sections This letter is to provide you reference to Land Use Code sections that relate to the City's ability to protect of what it considers a Natural Habitats and/ or Features. Attached is a copy of the Technical Memorandum 2, 'Identification of Natural Areas," of the Natural Areas Policy Plan, which is referred to in the Land Use Code. 3.4.1 Natural habitats and Features. (A) Applicability. This Section applies if any portion of the development site is within five hundred (500) feet of an area or feature identified as a natural habitat or feature on the city's Natural Habitats and Features Inventory Map, or if any portion of the development site possesses characteristics (including, without limitation, wetlands, riparian areas or foothills forest) which would have supported their inclusion on the Natural Habitats and Features Inventory Map, and such areas are discovered during site evaluation and/or reconnaissance associated with the development review process. Resources included on the Natural Habitats and Features Inventory Map, as described in detail in Technical Memorandum 2, 'Identification of Natural Areas," of the Natural Areas Policy Plan, are as follows: (1) Natural Communities or Habitats: (a) Aquatic (e.g., rivers, streams, lakes, ponds); (b) Wetland and wet meadow; (c) Native grassland; (d) Riparian forest; (e) Urban plains forest; (f) Riparian shrubland; and (g) Foothills forest. (2) Special Features: (a) Significant remnants of native plant communities; (b) Potential habitats and known locations of rare, threatened or endangered plants; (c) Potential habitats and known locations of rare, threatened or endangered animals; (d) Raptor habitat features, including nest sites, communal roost sites and key concentration areas; (e) Concentration areas for nesting and migratory shorebirds and waterfowl; (f) Migratory songbird concentration areas; (g) Key nesting areas for grassland birds; (h) Fox and coyote dens;