Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 01/05/2015

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aatement of Purpose The Environmental Policy Board (E B) will promote environmental awareness and conservation practice by citizens by advising the Qty Council on policy issues, review of new development proposals, communication and education. Through careful review, the EPBwill present multiple perspectives, ideas, and new technologies that promote both discovery and accountability. Land Use Application Fbview Beginning in 2015, the EPBwill have an active role in reviewing various land use applications with respect to natural resources. The EPB's review will occur concurrently with other advisory boards /commissions to ensure compliance with State Elatute 15.99 (generally known as the sixty [60] day rule). The EFB will review and provide recommendations regarding landscape plans, tree preservation plans, potential impacts to natural communities/ areas as identified in the Natural Fbsources Inventory and Wetland Functions and Values report, and the potential for implementing Best Management Practices (BMPs). The EPB will actively review land use applications for Major Rats (four [4] or more lots with public infrastructure improvements), Ste Plans (new development only, not for building expansions), Variances in Overlay Districts (Wild and Scenic, Critical Area, Ehoreland, and Roodplain), and Comprehensive Ran Amendments. In general, the EPB will not review applications for Conditional or Interim Use Permits, Minor Plats (three [3] or fewer lots), Administrative Scbdivisions, Easement Vacations, Home occupation Permits (unless a request has potential environmental hazards), or Variances (except for the Overlay Districts as noted above). Finally, the EPB will, on occasion, also review Zoni ng Amendments, dependent on the subject of a proposed/ requested amendment. The EPB's role inland use application review will be conducted for atrial period of one (1) year without amending Qty Code. At the conclusion of the trial period, the processwill be reviewed by the Board (and Qty Council) for effectiveness and efficiency. If found to add value to the overall land use application review process, an ordinance amendment will be prepared for consideration by Qty Council. Comprehensive Plan Feview The Qty has begun preparations for an update to its Comprehensive Ran and has noted a significant role the EPB will have in this process. This document will layout the vision for the community through 2040 and sets the foundation for how the community will develop over time. Once adopted, the Comprehensive Ran likely will set in motion certain updates or amendmentsto the Zoni ng Ordinance and should any amendment or updates relate to natural resources, the EPBwill be directly involved with that process as wel I. The EPB will have a role in reviewing various portions of the Comprehensive Ran and will take the lead on the Natural FL-sources Chapter. While the update is not due until 2018, the EPB will begin a review of the existing Natural Fesources Chapter early in 2015 and subsequently establish guiding principles and a framework for updating this Chapter. In 2016 (or early 2017), the EPBwill complete a draft update to the Natural FasourcesChapter.