§ 15-496. Regulations.

(a)

Buffer zone.

(1)

A buffer zone is hereby established five hundred fifty (550) feet from the landward limit of waters of the state (F.A.C. § 17-4.022) or edge of the Wekiva River, or from the landward edge of the wetlands associated with the Wekiva River.

(2)

In no case shall development activities be permitted closer than five hundred fifty (550) feet from the river's edge except for created forested or herbaceous wetlands, and passive recreation when it is clearly demonstrated by the applicant that the areas shall not adversely affect aquatic and wetland-dependent wildlife, water quality, groundwater table or surface water levels.

(b)

General regulations.

(1)

The density and intensity of development permitted within the protection area are encouraged to cluster or concentrate on those portions of the parcel or parcels which are furthest from the surface waters or wetlands of the Wekiva River system. In order to preserve native vegetation to the maximum extent possible, clustering or submission as a residential planned development (P-D) is encouraged.

(2)

A survey of those species designated as an endangered, a threatened species or a species of special concern pursuant to F.A.C. §§ 39-27.003, 39-27.004 and 39-27.005, as may be amended or replaced from time to time, shall be required as a part of all development applications when there is reasonable expectation as determined by the county, based upon the range and habitat requirements of these species, that any of such species may utilize any habitat within the boundaries of the property sought to be developed within the protection area. Such surveys shall utilize the "Wildlife Methodology Guidelines" published by the Florida Game and Freshwater Fish Commission. If endangered, threatened or species of special concern are found on the project site, any proposed development within the habitat of the species shall protect the values of the habitat for that species. A management plan shall be required of the development for the protection of these listed species and shall become part of the conditions of approval for the project.

(3)

Within the one-hundred-year floodplain, developments shall be required to minimize the clearance of native vegetation. Prior to construction plan submittal, a vegetation clearing plan shall be submitted to the county for review and approval. Clearing of vegetation will only be permitted where necessary for roads, utilities or pedestrian access routes approved by the county as part of the development approval process.

(4)

Within the one-hundred-year floodplain, septic tank use shall be discouraged. In order to obtain a septic tank permit within the floodplain, the applicant must demonstrate that there will be no detriment to river water quality. Where public utilities are available, new development will be required to hook up to these facilities.

(5)

Developments which have the potential to degrade groundwater quality shall be prohibited.

(6)

Development in the protection area shall comply with the stormwater requirements of this Code (section 15-461 et seq.). Including, but not limited to, predevelopment and post-development stormwater rates shall be equal.

(7)

Developments in the protection area shall comply with the requirements of the conservation ordinance (section 15-361 et seq.). Sufficient separation shall be required between stormwater management structures and conservation areas to ensure no adverse impact to the hydrologic regime of the wetland area.

(8)

All proposed development within the protection area shall submit as part of the development application a statement for the Florida Division of Historical Resources or an archaeological consultant as to the potential for any archaeological or historical resources on the project site. If, in the opinion of the division or consultant, the project's location and/or nature is likely to contain such a resource, then a systematic, professional archaeological and historical survey shall be completed and submitted for review. If significant archaeological sites are found, then sites shall be preserved or excavated pursuant to state guidelines prior to construction on the archaeological or historical site.

(9)

Rare upland habitat protection (reserved).

(10)

Where landscaping is required, the design shall include the use of native plant species and removal of understory vegetation to the greatest extent practical, in order that wildlife habitat will be preserved and maintained and the landscaped areas will blend into nearby natural areas.

(c)

Developments of regional impact. As required by F.S. § 369.307, the numerical standards and guidelines provided in F.A.C. ch. 28-24, as may be amended or replaced from time to time, shall be reduced by fifty (50) percent as applied to proposed developments entirely or partially located within the Wekiva River protection area.

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