§ 15-383. Effects of development.

Every application for activity subject to this article shall be reviewed to determine the functional significance, scarcity, replaceability, vulnerability and productivity of the habitat on the lands to be considered in both the pre- and post-developed condition.

(1)

The functional significance of lands identified as potential conservation areas shall be determined by the degree of natural biological functions including, but not limited to, food chain production, general habitat and nesting, spawning, rearing, feeding and resting sites for aquatic or wetland dependent species, including those designated as endangered, threatened or of special concern, pursuant to F.S. § 581.185, and Rules 68A-27.003, 68A-27.004 and 68A-27.005, Fla. Admin. Code.

(2)

The scarcity of habitat shall be determined as follows:

a.

Cypress wetlands and freshwater marshes—common.

b.

Bayheads and mixed hardwood swamps—uncommon.

c.

Wet prairies and hydric hammocks—scarce.

Wetland types such as hydric hammocks or cypress wetlands shall be determined in accordance with Rule 62.345.400(5), Fla. Admin. Code.

(3)

The vulnerability of habitat shall be determined by reviewing the likelihood of significant negative change in the habitat or its functional value because of a change in the use of nearby unregulated lands which will significantly reduce natural system values and characteristics on the regulated lands.

(4)

The replaceability of habitat shall be determined by reviewing the probability that similar or improved habitat values, vegetation dominants or inundation regimes can be established to mitigate or compensate for values or functions occurring in an area (on or off the project site) proposed for alteration or development.

(Code 1965, § 36B-28; Ord. No. 87-31, § 5.01, 7-27-87; Ord. No. 87-39, § 1(5.01), 11-9-87; Ord. No. 89-8, § 1(5.01), 7-3-89; Ord. No. 2008-01 , § 7, 2-5-08)