TO: Mayor Bien-Willner and Town Council Members
FROM: Jill Keimach, Town Manager
Jeremy Knapp, Community Development Director
DATE: May 14, 2020
DEPARTMENT: Community Development
Staff Contact Jeremy Knapp, Community Development Director, 480-348-3522
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AGENDA TITLE:
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Discussion of Native Plant Preservation Requirements (20 Minutes)
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SUMMARY STATEMENT:
In January of 2020 the Town Council discussed in a Work Study Session the Town's regulations regarding Native Plant Preservation. In 2006 the Town adopted Ordinance 577 introducing a new Town Code Section 5-8-4 Native Plan Preservation.
This code section outlines the requirements for preservation of Native Plants when constructing a new home or completing a remodel or addition more than $500,000. This section is applicable to single-family residential development during the construction process. The protected plans include certain trees and cacti and require an inventory be submitted with the permit application. Failure to comply with the requirements include penalties up to a Class 1 Misdemeanor and fine up to $2,500.
Although this discussion is focused on the flat land single-family development requirements, it is worth noting that separate regulations are in place on Hillside lots which further Native Plant Preservation by minimizing disturbance on the lot and requiring areas that are disturbed to be restored. Furthermore, Native Plant Preservation requirements can be stipulated on Special Use Permit properties during the Planning Commission and Town Council consideration.
During the previous Study Session discussion staff requested to move forward with researching the following:
1. Clarifying need for Native Plant Preservation Plan for Grading Plan;
2. Requiring a pre-inspection prior to commencement of grading/building activity;
3. Provide a list of approved Plant Preservation contractors; and,
4. Expand the list of protected plants that are found in Maricopa County.
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