What standards should apply when a building (or other development) that is already impacting a natural resource, proposes expansion?

Alternatives

8.A. Ensure an expansion does not make the existing impact worse.

8.B. The location and amount of expansion should be reviewed against current natural resource protections as if the existing impact does not exist. (status quo).

8.C. The expansion should only be allowed if the existing building is relocated so that the original impacted natural resource can be returned to its natural state.

8.D. The expansion must be designed to lessen the existing impact.

8.E. The expansion proposal must include mitigation for the existing impact.

Solutions

Direction: Natural resource protections should acknowledge existing impacts and allow for by-right expansion that does not increase the existing impact, including intensity of use. There should be some consideration for the use of incentives and that the expansion be designed to reduce the existing impact when possible, especially related to water quality.

Show All Answers

1. What does “healthy wildlife populations” mean?
2. How should the presence of wildlife habitat affect development rights on a property?
3. Why should we protect water-bodies and wetlands?
4. When is a site specific study of natural resources needed?
5. What, if any, types of impacts should require mitigation?
6. Should the County have a habitat restoration program to improve the success of mitigation?
7. What, if any, types of development should be allowed to impact natural resources?
8. What standards should apply when a building (or other development) that is already impacting a natural resource, proposes expansion?
9. To what extent should we regulate wildlife-friendly fencing?
10. What incentives should be provided for natural resources protection?