Purpose: To protect public health, safety, and welfare by establishing a regulatory scheme based on Best Available Science, which classifies and preserves critical areas; to provide standards to manage development in association with these areas; and to designate some areas as environmentally sensitive in accordance with the State Environmental Policy Act. The ordinance addresses aquifer recharge areas, fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas, flood hazard areas, geologically hazard areas, stream corridors, wetlands, and buffer zones.

The provisions apply to all lands, lands uses, development activities, and all structures and facilities—whether or not a permit or authorization is required. This specifically applies to any activity that would destroy the natural vegetation, result in significant change in critical habitat, and/or alter natural contours/existing patterns of tidal, sediment, or storm water flow.

$100,000+; In terms of long-term impact of legislation, the total in year 2009 was $907,462 and the funding source for that same year was $941,315. For more financial details, please refer to the Fiscal Note section under the Ordinance itself.