Subject:
Title
Renewal of Board Policy BCC-96 - Delegation of Public Interest Determinations (PIDs) for Exceedance of 30% Impervious Area For Accessory Structures in Single Family Residential Surface Water Protection Buffers (Buffers)
End
Fiscal Impact:
None
Dept/Office:
Natural Resources Management Department (NRM)
Requested Action:
Recommendation
Request that the Board renew delegation authority to the NRM Director for the approval of PIDs for the exceedance of 30% impervious area for accessory structures in single-family residential Buffers and approve the attached Policy.
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Summary Explanation and Background:
Chapter 62, Article X, Division 3, entitled Surface Water Protection (attached), Section 62-3668(3) limits impervious coverage within Buffers to 30% (except for properties on existing man-made residential canals). NRM periodically receives requests from citizens on waterfronts to exceed the permittable impervious area. Section 62-3668(3) allows greater than 30% impervious coverage if the activity is found to be in the public interest and does not adversely impact water quality and natural habitat. Section 62-3661 defines public interest as demonstrable environmental, social, and economic benefits which would accrue to the public at large because of a proposed action, and which would clearly exceed all demonstrable environmental, social, and economic costs of the proposed action. The process to approve such a request is a PID by the Board.
Although there were no requests for this PID over the last five years, staff would like to retain this as a convenient incentive for single-family residential homeowners. Staff requests that the Board re-approve attached Policy BCC-96, that delegates PID authority to the NRM Director to facilitate these requests when enhanced stormwater management and addition of native vegetation will benefit water quality. This request is specific to the exceedance of 30% impervious areas for accessory structures in single-family residential Buffers. PID requests for other prohibited activities and for commercial development will continue to be submitted to the Board for consideration. There are no substantial changes to the policy.
Clerk to the Board Instructions:
Signatures of Brevard County Clerk and Board of County Commissioners Chair. Return signed document to NRM.