GREEN GROWTH TOOLBOX Wildlife & Natural Resource Stewardship in Planning Wildlife & Natural Resource Stewardship in Planning Black-crowned night heron A Guide for Communities, Planners & Developers

Mill Creek feet for state listed aquatic species feet for federally listed aquatic species Multiple Benefits --water quality, species and habitat protections, corridors, recreation Riparian Buffers

A. Limitations on local government riparian buffer requirements.  (b) Except as provided in this section, a local government may not enact, implement, or enforce a local government ordinance that establishes a riparian buffer requirement that exceeds riparian buffer requirements necessary to comply with or implement federal or State law or a condition of a permit, certificate, or other approval issued by a federal or State agency 30 foot buffer (100 foot high density development) HB 44, filed 02/2015

More efficient development patterns, same amount of development Conventional pattern A more efficient pattern Graphics by Echo3 Conservation Land Use

 Use PUV programs and conservation easements to encourage rural uses  Zoning that ENCOURAGES mixed use and high density around existing infrastructure and LOW density and clustering in rural areas  Removal of barriers to conservation development  Standard use of conservation data in development review procedures  Density bonuses provided in exchange for open space set- asides (Key to have a low base density) Greening Policies & Incentives Effective methods

Use PUV programs and conservation easements to encourage rural uses  WCLP, Farmland, and Forest Management  Leverage local resources with state and federal grants, cooperate with local land trusts  Cabarrus County  Orange County, Lands Legacy Program uses bond funds to acquire:  Natural Areas and Wildlife Habitat  Prime Farmlands  Lands of Historic, Cultural, or Archaeological Significance  Future Parklands & Greenways  Riparian Buffers

Zoning that ENCOURAGES mixed use and high density development around existing infrastructure and town centers  Require a minimum density in town centers  Encourage redevelopment and in-fill development in town centers (Smart Growth)  Avoid high density developments, including Mixed Use Developments, in or near priority wildlife habitats (i.e., Mill Creek and Eno headwaters)  Develop areas closer to main roads  Make conventional development a conditional use (additional review or surveys required)

Remove barriers to conservation development & encourage very LOW density and clustering in rural areas  Make clustered and conservation development ‘by right’ in rural areas (Davidson, NC)  Zone by development units per acre instead of minimum lot size (Hillsborough County, FL)  Favors design flexibility & continuous, larger blocks of natural areas  Reduce set-backs  Establish very low base density in rural areas and couple with density bonuses (Randolph County, NC [3-5 ac.])  Encourage use of a habitat map in site plans  Identify important areas to conserve in maps and plans

Navassa, NC

Standard use of conservation data in development review procedures  Chatham County, NC  Require use of conservation data in all major development site plans  Available of local GIS  Expedites approval from 2 months to 21 days, reduces staff workload

Density bonuses provided in exchange for open space set-asides (Key to have a low base density) Chatham County Conservation Subdivision Ordinance  Density bonus  Site Survey required  Minimum 40% of site must be in permanent conservation  80% must be “natural space”  NC Natural Heritage Natural Areas  Must connect habitats on adjacent tracts  Must submit management plan

Conservation Subdivision

Pittsboro, NC Conservation Districts

Standards For new developments in the Pittsboro Conservation District: Conservation Districts Site survey is conducted 50% Natural Area set-aside is required if significant natural resources are found OR Natural Area set-aside is at minimum 35% with 5% density bonus for every additional 5% protected Limit the % impervious surface of the entire tract

Davidson, NC Rural Area Conservation Districts  Conservation area required: changing target  By right  All conventional development must have a site survey to determine important conservation areas

Burlington, VT Natural Resource Protection District  Protect surface waters and wetlands from encroachment by development  Protect and enhance water quality near public beaches and other water-based recreation areas from sources of non-point pollution  Preserve natural features and communities, geologic features and cultural sites for education and research  Facilitate connections and corridors for wildlife Conservation Districts

Arcata, CA NR Zoning  For protection of unique and/or sensitive natural resources  or the managed production of resources are the City’s primary objectives Conservation Districts

Natural Resource Protection Overlay BNAS Conservation District is to preserve, maintain and enhance existing natural areas Aquifer Protection Overlay

Other Ordinances  Floodplain Protection (Orange County)  Isolated Wetland Protections  Landscaping standards to encourage native species  Tree Protection standards (Chapel Hill & Pinehurst)  Low Impact Development  Solar Farm Standards  Cell Tower Standards (US Fish and Wildlife)

Questions? Funding provided by State Wildlife Grants the Wildlife Conservation Society-Doris Duke Charitable Foundation NC Non-Game Tax Check-off Fund