Agenda - 01-16-1996 - IX-C - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

2 biological, and geologic resources to show land owners and developers the location of such sites,and encourage the voluntary use of conservation easements. • Recent initiatives by the Agricultural Districts Advisory Board have focused on the use of conservation easements as a means of voluntarily preserving agricultural lands, including scenic, historic, environmental features associated with such lands. Workshops have been held for County staff on the use of such easements, and, if property owners are to take advantage of tax credits for easement donation or limited development, policies which encourage the conservation of such features must be incorporated into the Land Use Element. The proposed amendments will address each of the above mentioned needs. Section 2.2, Natural Environment, is proposed for amendment so as to include the results of inventories of historic and environmental resources, and provide a basis for prioritizing such features for conservation. Changes to Sections 3.3 -Land Use Plan Categories, 3.4 - Locational Criteria, and 3.5 - Land Use Goals & Draft Policies are also proposed through which to designate and encourage the conservation of important resources. An amendment to the Land Use Plan Map is also proposed to designate "Resource Protection Areas"consistent with the proposed text amendments. Only one person spoke at the November 27 public hearing, questioning the practical effect of the amendments in terms of their use with zoning and subdivision regulations. The protection of many features is addressed through current ordinances. The practical effect is to provide Land Use Plan consistency, updated information, and a better-defined basis for justifying voluntary conservation easements. At its December 18, 1995 meeting,the Planning Board voted unanimously to recommend approval of the proposed amendment. RECOMMENDATION: The Administration recommends approval of the proposed amendments per the Planning Board recommendation.