§ 5.04.02. Habitat management plan.

(a)

When required. A habitat management plan shall be prepared as a prerequisite to the approval of any development proposed on a site containing areas subject to this division.

(b)

Contents. The habitat management plan shall be prepared by an ecologist, biologist or other related professional. The plan shall document the presence of affected species, the land needs of the species that may be met on the development site, and shall recommend appropriate habitat management plans and other measures to protect the subject wildlife.

(c)

Conformity of final development plan. The final development plan approved for a development shall substantially conform to the recommendations in the habitat management plan.

(d)

Preservation of land. Where land on a proposed development site is to be preserved as habitat for rare, endangered or special concern species, such land shall be adjacent to existing viable habitat, a significant wetlands system, floodplain or wildlife corridor. If such lands are not adjacent to the development site, land to be set aside shall be of such quantity and quality as to provide viable habitat, as documented in the study required in subsection (b) of this section.

(e)

Fee in lieu. As an alternative to preservation of land, the town may establish a fee-in-lieu of land program, whereby the town can purchase land which will provide a significant habitat.

(Ord. No. 91-6, § 3(5.04.02), 2-11-1992)