Environmentally Sensitive Areas

This model ordinance provides a template for communities interested in preserving environmentally sensitive natural features using an overlay for rural cluster development, or open space subdivisions. It proposes that woodlands, hedgerows, stream corridors, wetlands, floodplains, shorelands, prairies, ridge tops, steep slopes, critical species habitat, and natural areas should separate from development. It contains the following provision sections: principal/accessory/conditional/prohibited uses, inventory and site analysis, density and dimensional standards, calculation of site capacity, design standards for cluster groups and common open space, landscaping, ownership and maintenance, sewage and water supply facilities, density exchange option, and lot averaging.