Chapter 20.45
CONSERVANCY DESIGNATION
Sections:
20.45.010 Conservancy designation defined.
20.45.060 Maximum building height.
20.45.070 Setbacks and lot coverage.
20.45.080 Vegetation retention and enhancement.
20.45.010 Conservancy designation defined.
The conservancy environment designation is defined as a shoreline area containing natural resources which can be used/managed on a multiple use basis without extensive alteration of topography or banks; including but not limited to forest, agricultural and mineral lands, outdoor recreation sites, fish and wildlife habitat, watersheds for public supplies, and areas of outstanding scenic quality; and/or a shoreline area containing hazardous natural conditions or sensitive natural or cultural features which require more than normal restrictions on development and use of such areas; including, but not limited to: eroding shores, geologically unstable areas, steep slopes, floodways, critical flood storage areas, and valuable natural wetlands or historic sites. (Ord. 2252 § 1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 2251 § 1 (Exh. A), 2024)
20.45.020 Purpose and intent.
The purpose of the conservancy designation is to prevent forms of development which would be unsafe or incompatible with more appropriate uses. This policy should be furthered by keeping overall intensity of development or use low, and by maintaining most of the area’s natural character. (Ord. 2252 § 1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 2251 § 1 (Exh. A), 2024)
20.45.030 Permitted uses.
A. Recreational development.
B. Residential development.
C. Signs.
D. Utilities.
E. Grading. (Ord. 2252 § 1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 2251 § 1 (Exh. A), 2024)
20.45.040 Conditional uses.
A. Aquaculture.
B. Boating facilities.
C. Commercial development.
D. Forestry.
E. In-stream structures.
F. Mining.
G. Piers, docks, and floats.
H. Roads and railways.
I. Dredging.
J. Shoreline stabilization.
K. Off-site vegetation retention and enhancement receiving areas. (Ord. 2252 § 1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 2251 § 1 (Exh. A), 2024)
20.45.050 Prohibited uses.
A. Industrial development.
B. Solid waste, with the exception of solid waste conveyance systems which may transit the area. (Ord. 2252 § 1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 2251 § 1 (Exh. A), 2024)
20.45.060 Maximum building height.
The maximum building height shall comply with the view and aesthetics regulations in FMC 20.55.070. (Ord. 2252 § 1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 2251 § 1 (Exh. A), 2024)
20.45.070 Setbacks and lot coverage.
A. There shall be a minimum setback of 75 feet from the line of OHWM for structures, surfacing and parking.
B. All other building setbacks shall comply with the underlying zoning.
C. Lot coverage shall be limited to a maximum of 10 percent. (Ord. 2252 § 1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 2251 § 1 (Exh. A), 2024)
20.45.080 Vegetation retention and enhancement.
A. For the purpose of retaining and enhancing the natural character of the conservancy zone, development activities must demonstrate the ability to retain at least 60 percent of the natural vegetation of the gross property area.
1. This requirement may be satisfied by preserving 60 percent of the area in its natural state, by establishing planted protected buffer area(s) that will consolidate vegetation equivalent to 60 percent of the natural (preexisting) vegetation in one or more areas, or by establishing an equivalent amount of vegetation off site, within another shoreline conservation area within the City of Ferndale, subject to approval by the Shoreline Administrator. (Ord. 2252 § 1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 2251 § 1 (Exh. A), 2024)