§ 68.505. Primary Conservation Network and Ecological Systems.

Design standards and criteria have been established for the development proposed to occur within Southeast Orlando in order to comply with existing regulatory guidelines and restrictions while protecting the ecological integrity of the natural resources within the study area. These standards are not meant to restrict landowners' developmental potential, but to guide and direct development in an ecologically sensitive direction. The Primary Conservation Network (PCN), as envisioned, would protect wetland communities and habitat for numerous common and protected wildlife species while allowing passive recreation uses such as pedestrian and bike trails. The following standards are broken down by those required under normal regulatory review processes (primarily applicable to wetland/habitat areas outside the defined PCN); and those applicable to the entire planning area. These standards should provide for a more functional natural environment within the proposed development as well as provide opportunities to enhance and preserve natural communities and existing wildlife corridors.

(a)

Definitions and Terms.

1.

The wetland limits shown on the Southeast Orlando Sector Plan Master Plan Map are approximate and not binding to any government agency. The wetland boundaries are based on the Orange County Land Use Maps, 1989, with limited field verification and digital information provided by others.

2.

The landward extent of potential jurisdictional wetlands should be field verified by the appropriate regulatory agencies.

3.

All impacts proposed to jurisdictional wetlands shall require permitting by regulatory agencies. Appropriate management plans for threatened or endangered species and species of special concern may require approval from the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission and/or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

(b)

Regulatory Agency Requirements.

1.

A minimum 50-foot upland buffer is required for those wetlands designated as protected by the City's Q-WET rating system. Most of the wetlands designated as protected have been incorporated into the PCN and meet the minimum buffer requirements.

2.

An upland buffer area averaging 25 feet (15 feet minimum) shall be provided around wetlands remaining within the study area but outside of the PCN, consistent with GMP Conservation Policy 1.4.4.

3.

Roads or infrastructure crossings through wetland systems shall be limited to the narrowest point of the wetland.

(c)

Storm Drainage.

1.

Storm Drainage Requirements. All future development in the Southeast Orlando planning areas shall be required to discharge stormwater at rates not to exceed historic runoff rates and volumes. Stormwater detention and water quality facilities will be required for all development within the Southeast Orlando planning area, as determined during the review process for each development. The specifications and standards of the Southeast Orlando Stormwater Master Plan, when developed, shall be followed to the greatest extent feasible. In the interim, the City's OUSWMM standards shall apply.

2.

Integration with Existing Storm Drainage Systems. Existing drainageways and wetlands should be maintained or enhanced in a natural state to the greatest extent feasible. In lower-density areas, drainage systems should recharge on-site groundwater by using swales and surface systems, rather than concrete-lined or underground storm drains. All urban runoff should be treated on-site with biological retention and filtration areas.

3.

Joint Use Stormwater/Open Space Opportunities. The location, function, and design of all stormwater facilities should be coordinated with open space and park areas, in order to provide for joint use opportunities, wherever possible.

4.

Interconnected System. Where possible, greenways with trails should line riparian corridors and storm drainageways connecting to destinations such as schools, parks, and Neighborhood Centers. Coordinate an open lands system among property owners to use land efficiently and retain wildlife movement corridors.

(d)

Additional Development Guidelines.

1.

Roads crossing wetland systems should be fitted with oversized culverts where feasible to facilitate and maintain wildlife corridors.

2.

Upland buffers, preservation areas, and wetland systems should be maintained so as to prevent invasion by nuisance and/or exotic species listed.

3.

Recreation opportunities within or adjacent to the PCN should be limited to passive uses such as biking or hiking trails or other educational opportunities. Golf courses can provide valuable linkages in the overall PCN, but should not be eligible for PCN credits except where active vegetation has been retained.

4.

Every attempt should be made to mitigate for impacts to wetlands and listed wildlife species such as gopher tortoise within the study area through preservations and/or enhancement of habitat.

5.

Retaining existing native vegetation and the use of native drought-resistant plants in both residential, commercial, and common use area is encouraged.

6.

Minimize additional roads crossing and encroachments across/into the PCN.

7.

Encourage the placement of stormwater management ponds, utility facilities, and other non-residential land uses adjacent to the defined PCN.

8.

While not a requirement, the City and developers should attempt to maintain a 500-foot minimum width for environmentally sensitive lands to allow wildlife movement.

9.

Design surface water management systems to discharge pre-treated stormwaters to preserved wetlands in such a way as to maintain and/or enhance their current hydrology.

10.

Reduce and/or eliminate fencing as a means to delineate property ownership's wherever practicable.

11.

Create an area-wide signage program designating PCN boundaries, alerting drivers at critical intersections of roads and the PCN, and educating residents within Southeast Orlando of the value, functions, and restrictions within the PCN.

12.

Encourage a domesticated animal control program including free or reduced price sterilization, community sponsored humane society, and other programs to reduce displacement and harm to existing animal species.

(Ord. of 5-10-1999, § 10, Doc. #32070)