Legislative intent

The critical area review is a development plan review process designed to protect the unique natural resources located in the subject district and is in accordance with recommendations of element two (land use) of the comprehensive land use plan for the city. The intent of this section is to foster sensitive development activity in the southern shoreline area of the city, commonly known as Ocean Drive, which typically exhibit large lot sizes and to minimize adverse impacts of development on such critical natural elements as vegetation, soil erosion, water quality, natural habitats, and scenic quality. The requirements of this section are developed to protect, conserve, and foster the natural, scenic, historical and economic qualities of lands along the city's Ocean Drive. The critical area review process is not intended to deny an applicant a permitted use of the property as established by this zoning code but rather to review, comment, refine, and develop site design elements within the development plan especially those which pertain to the physical characteristics of the site and its surrounding environment.

(Ord. 4-97 § 1 (part), 1994: prior code § 1262.05.01)