§ 17.48.300. Review of projects which drain into nearby environmentally sensitive habitat areas.

The following special review procedures shall be applied to any development within one thousand feet of any wetland or within two hundred fifty feet of any other environmentally sensitive habitat area as depicted in the Morro Bay coastal land use plan/coastal element, or which the director has determined could adversely affect sensitive habitats.

A.

Information Required. For any development which would result in runoff or other surface waters to drain into wetlands, streams or other environmentally sensitive habitat area, or increased pedestrian or vehicular access or other human activities in environmentally sensitive habitats or their prescribed buffer areas, or any other activity which the director has determined could produce significant adverse impacts on environmentally sensitive habitats, submission of the following information, as applicable, shall be required:

1.

Run-off: estimated volume of run-off, type and location of drainage facilities, and possible pollutants or contaminants.

2.

Pedestrian or vehicular intrusions: the nature of possible pedestrian or vehicular intrusions, estimated traffic volumes and their probable locations.

3.

Any other information required by the director.

B.

Project Assessments. The director shall review the project for possible impacts on sensitive habitat areas. If the director determines that the project could adversely affect sensitive habitats, an impact assessment conducted by a qualified biologist shall be prepared and submitted to the director for approval. Such impact assessments shall include an analysis of measures to avoid or mitigate possible adverse impacts.

C.

Project Approval. A project may be approved only if it is designed to minimize adverse effects on sensitive habitat areas and will not result in significant disturbance to or degradation of such areas, and is consistent with all ESH protection policies.

(Ord. 445 § 3 (part), 1995)