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A. Purpose. The purpose of the “urban conservancy” environment is to protect and restore ecological functions of open space, parks, floodplains and floodways and lands containing critical areas, where they exist in urban and developed settings, while allowing a variety of compatible uses.

B. Designation Criteria. This designation is appropriate for lands:

1. Containing or suitable for parks and recreation facilities or other water-enjoyment uses;

2. Designated for low density single-family uses;

3. Suitable for water-related uses;

4. Designated open space, floodplain or other sensitive areas that should not be more intensively developed;

5. Having potential for ecological restoration;

6. Retaining important ecological functions, even though partially developed; or

7. Having potential for development that is compatible with ecological restoration.

C. Management Policies.

1. Allowed uses should be those that preserve the natural character of the area and/or promote restoration within critical areas and public open spaces either directly or over the long term.

2. Uses that result in restoration of ecological functions should be allowed if the use is otherwise compatible with the purpose of the environment and the setting.

3. Restoration of shoreline ecological functions should be a priority.

4. Development, when feasible, should be designed to ensure that any necessary shoreline stabilization, flood control measures, native vegetation removal, or other shoreline modifications do not result in a net loss of shoreline ecological function or further degrade other shoreline values.

5. Public access and public recreation objectives should be implemented whenever feasible and significant adverse ecological impacts can be mitigated.

6. Water-oriented uses should be given priority over non-water-oriented uses. For shoreline areas adjacent to navigable waters, water-dependent uses should be given highest priority.

7. New non-water-oriented commercial and industrial uses, other than limited commercial activities, such as small concession stands conducted accessory to a public park, should be prohibited. In addition, water-oriented accessory activities such as canoe or kayak rentals are allowed. (Ord. 2112 § 3 (Exh. C), 2013).