§ 15-437. Legislative findings.

(a)

The Econlockhatchee River Basin (Econ River Basin) includes the Big Econlockhatchee River and tributaries identified herein, portions of which are located in Orange County, Florida, as depicted in section 15-445.

(b)

The Econ River Basin contains a diverse and unique ecosystem, which to date is largely undeveloped.

(c)

Growth pressures being experienced by Central Florida could be detrimental to the Econ River without additional regulation.

(d)

The St. Johns River Water Management District has commissioned a two-phase program to develop a basin-wide natural resources development and protection plan for the Econlockhatchee River Basin. Phase I of the Econ River Basin study has been completed. The Econ River Basin task force has issued final recommendations to local governments based on Phase I of the study.

(e)

The board of county commissioners believes that, for the sake of the health, safety and welfare of the people of the county, special regulations to facilitate a balance between private property rights, development and the ecological and aesthetic well-being of the Econ River Basin need to be promulgated.

(f)

The board of county commissioners believes that it is in the best interests of the people of the county to review and consider incorporation of the appropriate recommendations of the Econ River Basin task force and study into the comprehensive policy plan and Land Development Code after public input and public hearings.

(g)

The county adopted interim regulations on December 10, 1990 (Ordinance No. 90-30), to protect the basin prior to adoption of the Land Development Code.

(h)

The regulations as set forth in this article, which facilitate protection of the Econ River Basin, shall be applied to projects within the Econ River Basin on a project-by-project basis when those applications are in the normal county development review procedures.

(i)

Accordingly, the board of county commissioners declares that the regulations set forth in this article are critically important to the successful implementation of the Econ River Basin study and the future well-being of this unique area.

(Ord. No. 91-29, § 2(Exh. A), 12-10-91)