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Item R5BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY Meeting Date: December 15, 2004 Division: Growth Management' Bulk Item: Yes No X Department: Planning and Environmental Res. AGENDA ITEM WORDING: Public hearing to consider adopting an Ordinance amending the Monroe County Land Development Regulations to implement Goal 105 of the 2010 Comprehensive Plan by renumbering existing Sections 9.5-256 to 9.5-271; creating a new Section 9.5-256, Tier Overlay District; providing criteria for designation of tier boundaries; and, providing a mechanism for Tier Overlay District Map amendments. [1st of 2 required public hearings] ITEM BACKGROUND: On January 21, 2004 and in Ordinance # 018-2004 the BOCC directed staff to prepare draft text and map amendments and other supporting studies in order to effectuate the provisions of Goal 105 of the 2010 Comprehensive Plan and Rule 28-20.100 F.A.C. Several stakeholder forums and two community workshops were held and the. Planning Commission reviewed the staff draft at four public hearings, amended the draft and recommend approval. Adoption of this ordinance will not occur until the DCA has completed its review of the proposed 2010 Comprehensive Plan amendments to be sent to that agency under the two Transmittal Resolutions. PREVIOUS RELEVANT BOCC ACTION: Ordinance No. 018-2004 adopted June 16, 2004 directed staff to prepare text and map amendments to implement Goal 105. Goal 105 was adopted in Ordinance No. 20- 2002. CONTRACT/AGREEMENT CHANGES: None. STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS: Approval TOTAL COST: N/A BUDGETED: Yes N/A No COST TO COUNTY: N/A SOURCE OF FUNDS: N/A REVENUE PRODUCING: Yes N/A No AMOUNT PER MONTH N/A Year APPROVED BY: County Atty X OMB/Purchasing Risk Managemerit DIVISION DIRECTOR APPROVAL: DOCUMENTATION: J. AQhrry, Al Included - To Follow Not Required. DISPOSITION: AGENDA ITEM #,C 5 PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE MONROE COUNTY LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS THAT WILL IMPLEMENT GOAL 105 OF THE 2010 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN THE BOCC ORDINANCE This ordinance will amend the Monroe County Land Development Regulations to implement Goal 105 of the 2010 Comprehensive Plan by renumbering existing Section 9.5-256 to 9.5-271; creating a new Section 9.5-256, the Tier Overlay District Map amendments. [1st of 2 required public hearings] BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MARATHON EOC ROOM DECEMBER 15, 2004 ORDINANCE NO. -2005 AN ORDINANCE BY THE MONROE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ADOPTING THE AMENDMENTS TO THE MONROE COUNTY LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS TO IMPLEMENT GOAL 105 OF THE 2010 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND THE TIER OVERLAY SYSTEM BY RENUMBERING EXISTING SECTION 9.5-256 TO 9.5-271; CREATING A NEW SECTION 9.5-256, TIER OVERLAY DISTRICT; PROVIDING CRITERIA FOR DESIGNATION OF TIER BOUNDARIES; PROVIDING A MECHANISM FOR TIER OVERLAY DISTRICT MAP AMENDMENTS; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF ALL ORDINANCES INCONSISTENT HEREWITH; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION IN THE MONROE COUNTY CODE OF ORDINANCES; DIRECTING THE PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES DEPARTMENT TO TRANSMIT A COPY OF THIS ORDINANCE TO THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS; AND, PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners, during three public hearings held in December, 2004 and January and February 2005, reviewed and considered the proposed amendment to provide for a Tier map overlay to the Monroe County Land Development Regulations to implement Goal 105 of the 2010 Comprehensive Plan, Rule 28- 20.100 F.A.C. and the Tier Overlay system; and WHEREAS, the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners directed staff to prepare text and map amendments in Ordinance No. 018-2004 adopted June 16, 2004, to include: Tier Overlay Map Designations in accordance with Goal 105; revisions to ROGO and NROGO based on the Tier system utilizing a positive approach that predominately relies on land dedication and aggregation; and revisions to the environmental regulations based on the Tier system rather than the existing Habitat Evaluation Index; and WHEREAS, Goal 105 provides a framework for future development and land acquisition for the next 20 years that considers the carrying capacity of the Florida Keys, reduces sprawl and promotes sustainability; and " WHEREAS, Goal 105 provides general criteria for the designation of lands within the County into a three-tier system that is based on existing habitat, development patterns, infrastructure, and other factors; and WHEREAS, Tier I includes all contiguous hammock areas above four acres and restoration areas between fragmented smaller hammock patches to increase the hammock size and buffers where possible; and Goal 105 tier criteria LDR corrected Page 1 of 6 WHEREAS, Hammock size is a major determinate of habitat quality according to FKCCS, which is why size and connectivity were used to identify the best and most important terrestrial habitat areas for preservation; and WHEREAS, Tier II contains smaller hammock patches isolated by surrounding development, the quality is reduced because of the negative secondary impacts of development, and these areas contain a large number of privately -owned undeveloped lots; and WHEREAS, Tier III is appropriate for additional infill development because of the location and amount of existing development in the areas designated; and WHEREAS, the creation of Section 9.5-256, Tier Overlay District, Monroe County Code provides criteria for the designation of Tier boundaries pursuant to Goal 105, Year 2010 Comprehensive Plan and a mechanism for the implementation of the Tier System by overlaying the Land Use District Map; and WHEREAS, the Planning and Environmental Resources staff prepared an amendment to Chapter 9.5 (Land Development Regulations) of the Monroe County Code creating Section 9.5-256 that provides for a Tier Map overlay, criteria for Tier designation, and a mechanism for amending the Tier Map; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission, after hearing comments at four public hearings, made changes to the staff draft amendments creating and recommended approval of the Tier Overlay amendment to the Monroe County Code to the Board of County Commissioners on November 3, 2004; and WHEREAS, the Planning and Environmental Resources Department has made minor changes to the proposed draft based on direction of the Planning Commission, including minor text revisions to ensure readability and correct typographical errors or omissions in the text; and WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners has reviewed the proposed amendments to the Land Development Regulations to renumber existing Section 9.5-256 to Section 9.5-271 and create a new Section 9.5-256 (Tier Overlay District, recommended by the Planning Commission and the Planning and Environmental Resources Department); and, WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners finds the proposed amendments to establish the Tier Overlay District, designation criteria, and Tier Overlay District Map amendment procedures are consistent with and further the goals, objectives and policies of the Year 2010 Comprehensive Plan, particularly Goal 105 and its associated objectives and policies; NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, THAT: Section 1: Section 9.5-256, Aggregation of development, is hereby renumbered as Section 9.5- 271, Monroe County Code. Goal 105 tier criteria LDR corrected Page 2 of 6 Section 2: A new Section 9.5-256, Monroe County Code, is hereby created that reads as follows: "Sec. 9.5-256. Tier overlay district. (a) Purpose: The purpose of this Tier Overlay District is to designate geographical areas outside of mainland Monroe County into one of three tiers to assign ROGO and NROGO points, determine the amount of clearing of upland native vegetation that may be permitted, and prioritize lands for public acquisition. The Tier boundaries are to be depicted on the Tier Overlay District Map. (b) Criteria: The Tier boundaries are designated using aerial photography, data from the Florida Keys Carrying Capacity Study, the endangered species maps, property information and field evaluation. The following criteria at a minimum are used to evaluate upland habitats and designate boundaries between different Tier Overlays: (1) Criteria for designating lands as Tier I: a. Natural areas including old and new growth upland native vegetated areas, above four (4) acres and a buffer of privately owned vacant lots and parcels. b. Vacant land to connect patches and reduce further fragmentation. C. A buffer, up to five -hundred (500) feet if indicated, between natural areas and development to reduce secondary impacts; canals or roadways, depending on size may form a boundary. d. Lands designated for acquisition by public agencies. e. Known locations of threatened and endangered species. f. Native Area Land Use district and other districts in buffer/restoration areas as appropriate. g. Lands with a potential for successful land management -restoration of disturbed habitat, removal of exotics, and connection of patches. h. Areas with minimal existing development. Y (2) Criteria for designating lands as Tier II: a. Subdivisions less than fifty (50) percent developed, or portions of subdivisions that are less than fifty (50) percent developed because of environmental constraints. b. Fragmented, unconnected hammock patches of less than 4 acres, which are isolated from larger natural areas by existing development. Goal 105 tier criteria LDR corrected Page 3 of 6 C. Developed and undeveloped SR and SS lots with upland native habitat. d. Platted lots in areas where adjoining property owner(s) may purchase the lots with county participation: (3) Criteria for designating lands as Tier III: a. Isolated upland habitat fragments of less than half an acre. b. Substantially developed subdivisions near established commercial areas. C. Primarily IS and URM lots. d. Developed non-residential and mixed used areas. (c) Tier overlay district map amendments: The Tier Overlay District Map may be amended to reflect existing conditions in an area if warranted because of drafting or data errors or changed conditions. Tier Overlay District Map amendments shall be made pursuant to the procedures for map amendments to this chapter. Unlawful conditions shall not be recognized when determining existing conditions and regulatory requirements. (d) Request for Tier I designation: Notwithstanding the provisions of Section-9.5-511(d)2, any individual may submit an application to the planning department containing substantial and competent documentation that an area meets the Tier I criteria. Applications must be received by July 1 of each year on a form approved by the director of planning for consideration by the special master at a public hearing advertised at least fifteen (15) days prior to the hearing date. Said hearing by the special master shall be held prior to November 1 of each year. The director of planning will review the documentation and any other appropriate scientific information and prepare an analysis report for the special master. The special master will render a written opinion to the planning commission and board of county commissioners either that the application meets the criteria for designating the lands as Tier I or that the documentation is insufficient to warrant a map amendment. The posting, advertising and review will follow the procedures in 9.5-511(d)(3)(4) and (5)." Section 2. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause or provision of this ordinance is held invalid, the remainder of this ordinance shall not be affected by such invalidity. Section 3. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with this ordinance are hereby repealed to the extent of said conflict. The repeal of an ordinance herein shall not repeal the repealing clause of such ordinance or revive any ordinance which has been repealed thereby. Section 4. This ordinance does not affect prosecutions for ordinance violations committed prior to the effective date of this ordinance; does not waive any fee or penalty due or unpaid on the Goal 105 tier criteria LDR corrected Page 4 of 6 effective date of this ordinance; and does not affect the validity of any bond or cash deposit posted, filed, or deposited pursuant to the requirements of any ordinance. Section 5 This ordinance shall be filed in the Office of the Secretary of State of Florida but shall not become effective until a notice is issued by the Department of Community Affairs or Administration Commission approving the ordinance. Section 6. This ordinance shall be transmitted by the Planning and Environmental Resources Department to the Florida Department of Community Affairs to determine the consistency of this ordinance with the Florida Statutes. Section 7. The provisions of this ordinance shall be included and incorporated in the Code of Ordinances of the County of Monroe, Florida, as an addition or amendment thereto, and shall be appropriately numbered to conform to the uniform numbering system of the Code. PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, at a regular meeting of said Board held on the day of , A.D. , 2005. Mayor Dixie Spehar Mayor Pro Tern Charles "Sonny" McCoy Commissioner George Neugent Commissioner David Rice Commissioner Murray E. Nelson BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA C (SEAL) ATTEST: DANNY KOHLAGE, CLERK I: • Deputy Clerk Goal 105 tier criteria LDR corrected Mayor/Chairperson MONROE COUNTY ATTORNEY APPROVEI AS TO FORM 444 Date: Page 5 of 6 STAFF REPORT BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MARATHON EOC ROOM DECEMBER 15, 2004 Monroe County Department of Planning and Environmental Resources 2798 Overseas Highway Marathon Florida 33050 305-289-2500 O conaway-marleneOmonroecouny-fl gov WAI W November 28, 2004 TO: Monroe County Board of County Commissioners FROM: K. Marlene Conaway, Director RE: Tier Overlay District amendment to the Land Development Regulations (LDR) to implement Goal 105 Introduction Goal 105 provides a framework for future development and land acquisition for the next 20 years that considers the carrying capacity of the Florida Keys, reduces sprawl and promotes sustainability. Attached is the proposed amendment to the Comprehensive Plan to implement the goal, Rule 28-100 and the Florida Keys Carrying Capacity Study (FKCCS). Staff is recommending that three public hearings be held before the Board of County Commissioners, one in each area, before adoption of the Transmittal Resolution. Hopefully, this schedule will allow us to finish the adoption process by June 2005. Background The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), at a regular meeting on January 21, 2004, directed Growth Management staff to prepare an ordinance deferring ROGO and NROGO allocation awards in areas containing tropical hardwood hammock or pinelands of two acres or greater within Tier I - Conservation and Natural Areas (CNA), while staff prepares draft text and map amendments and other supporting studies in order to effectuate the provisions of Goal 105 of the 2010 Comprehensive Plan, and Rule 28- 20.100 FAC. The Planning Commission reviewed the staff proposed draft at a workshop in June and an amended draft in four public meetings in September, October and November 2004. The Planning Commission approved several amendments and voted to recommend the attached draft to the BOCC on November 3, 2004. During the summer three focus group meetings were held; two with the construction industry representatives and one with a group of interested individuals and environmental groups. Several planned meetings were cancelled due to the hurricanes and finally two evening community workshops, one in Key Largo and one in Sugarloaf, were held in October. Tier Overlay District Overview The Tier Overlay District provides the authority to designate geographical areas outside of Mainland Monroe County into one of three Tiers to assign ROGO and NROGO points, determine the amount of clearing and prioritize lands for public acquisition. Criteria for designating the Tier boundaries are included. Pagel of 2 Monroe County Department of Planning and Environmental Resources 2798 Overseas Highway Marathon Florida 33050 305-289-2500 conaway-marlene(i�monroecounv-fl.gov The Tier maps will become a zoning overlay when adopted. Changes to the maps will follow the procedures in Sec. 9.5-511 of the LDRS. Changes may, also be requested to Tier I by any other individual who submits an application containing substantial and competent documentation that the area meets the criteria for Tier 1. The review process for this type of application includes a review of the documentation by a Special Master who will provide a recommendation to the Planning Commission and the Board of County Commissioners. Page 2 of 2 PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MARATHON - EOC ROOM DECEMBER 15, 2004 PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. P60-04 A RESOLUTION BY THE MONROE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDING APPROVAL TO THE MONROE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF THE REQUEST BY THE MONROE COUNTY PLANNING DEPARTMENT OF AMENDMENTS TO THE MONROE COUNTY LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS TO IMPLEMENT GOAL 105 OF THE 2010 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND THE TIER OVERLAY SYSTEM BY RENUMBERING EXISTING SECTION 9.5-256 TO 9.5-271; CREATING A NEW SECTION 9.5-256, TIER OVERLAY DISTRICT; PROVIDING CRITERIA FOR DESIGNATION OF TIER BOUNDARIES; PROVIDING A MECHANISM FOR TIER OVERLAY DISTRICT MAP AMENDMENTS. WHEREAS, the Monroe County Planning Commissioner, during a public hearings held November 16, 2004, reviewed and considered the proposed amendment to provide for a Tier map overlay to the Monroe County Land Development Regulations to implement Goal 105 of the 2010 Comprehensive Plan, Rule 28-20.100 F.A.C. and the Tier Overlay system; and WHEREAS, the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners directed staff to prepare text and map amendments in Ordinance No. 018-2004 adopted June 16, 2004, to include: Tier Overlay Map Designations in accordance with Goal 105; revisions to ROGO and NROGO based on the Tier system utilizing a positive approach that predominately relies on land dedication and aggregation; and revisions to the environmental regulations based on the Tier system rather than the existing Habitat Evaluation Index; and WHEREAS, Goal 105 provides a framework for future development and land acquisition for the next 20 years that considers the carrying capacity of the Florida Keys, reduces sprawl and promotes sustainability; and WHEREAS, Goal 105 provides general criteria for the designation of lands within the County into a three-tier system that is based on existing habitat, development patterns, infrastructure, and other factors; and WHEREAS, Tier I includes all contiguous hammock areas above four acres and restoration areas between fragmented smaller hammock patches to increase the hammock size and buffers where possible; and WHEREAS, Hammock size is a major determinate of habitat quality according to FKCCS, which is why size and connectivity were used to identify the best and most important terrestrial habitat areas for preservation; and P60-04 Goal 105 tier criteria LDR PC Page 1 of 5 WHEREAS, Tier II contains smaller hammock patches isolated by surrounding development, the quality is reduced because of the negative secondary impacts of development, and these areas contain a large number of privately -owned undeveloped lots; and WHEREAS, Tier III is appropriate for additional infill development because of the location and amount of existing development in the areas designated; and WHEREAS, the creation of Section 9.5-256, Tier Overlay District, Monroe County Code provides criteria for the designation of Tier boundaries pursuant to Goal 105, Year 2010 Comprehensive Plan and a mechanism for the implementation of the Tier System by overlaying the Land Use District Map; and WHEREAS, the Planning and Environmental Resources staff prepared an amendment to Chapter 9.5 (Land Development Regulations) of the Monroe County Code creating Section 9.5-256 that provides for a Tier Map overlay, criteria f6r Tier designation, and a mechanism for amending the Tier Map; and WHEREAS, the Planning and Environmental Resources Department has made minor changes to the proposed draft based on direction of the Planning Commission, including minor text revisions to ensure readability and correct typographical errors or omissions in the text; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission, after hearing public comments and staff input at four public hearings, finds the proposed amendments to establish the Tier Overlay District, designation criteria, and Tier Overlay District Map amendment procedures are consistent with and further the goals, objectives and policies of the Year 2010 Comprehensive Plan, particularly Goal 105 and its associated objectives and policies; NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, to recommend APPROVAL to the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners of the following amendment to the Land Development Regulations: Section 1: Section 9.5-256, Aggregation of development, is hereby renumbered as Section 9.5-271, Monroe County Code. Section 2: A new Section 9.5-256, Monroe County Code, is hereby created that reads as follows: "Sec. 9.5-256. Tier overlay district. (a) Purpose: The purpose of this Tier Overlay District is to designate geographical areas outside of mainland Monroe County into one of three tiers to assign ROGO and NROGO points, determine the amount of clearing of upland P60-04 Goal 105 tier criteria LDR PC Page 2 of 5 native vegetation that may be permitted, and prioritize lands for public acquisition. The Tier boundaries are to be depicted on the Tier Overlay District Map. (b) Criteria: The Tier boundaries are designated using aerial photography, data from the Florida Keys Carrying Capacity Study, the endangered species maps, property information and field evaluation. The following criteria at a minimum are used to evaluate upland habitats and designate boundaries between different Tier Overlays: (1) Criteria for designating lands as Tier I: a. Natural areas including old and new growth upland native vegetated areas, above four (4) acres and a buffer of privately owned vacant lots and parcels. b. Vacant land to connect patches and reduce further fragmentation. C. A buffer, up to five -hundred (500) feet if indicated, between natural areas and development to reduce secondary impacts; canals or roadways, depending on size may form a boundary. d. Lands designated for acquisition by public agencies. e. Known locations of threatened and endangered species. f. Native Area Land Use district and other districts in buffer/restoration areas as appropriate. g. Lands with a potential for successful land management - restoration of disturbed habitat, removal of exotics, and connection of patches. h. Areas with minimal existing development. (2) Criteria for designating lands as Tier II: a. Subdivisions less than fifty (50) percent developed, or portions of subdivisions that are less than fifty (50) percent developed because of environmental constraints. b. Fragmented, unconnected hammock patches of less than 4 acres, which are isolated from larger natural areas by existing development. C. Developed and undeveloped SR and SS lots with upland P60-04 Goal 105 tier criteria LDR PC Page 3 of 5 native habitat. d. Platted lots in areas where adjoining property owner(s) may purchase the lots with county participation. (3) Criteria for designating lands as Tier III: a. Isolated upland habitat fragments of less than half an acre. b. Substantially developed subdivisions near established commercial areas. C. Primarily IS and URM lots. d. Developed non-residential and mixed used areas. (c) Tier overlay district map amendments: The Tier Overlay District Map may be amended to reflect existing conditions in an area if warranted because of drafting or data errors or changed conditions.' Tier Overlay District Map amendments shall be made pursuant to the procedures for map amendments to this chapter. Unlawful conditions shall not be recognized when determining existing conditions and regulatory requirements. (d) Request for Tier I designation: Notwithstanding the provisions of Section-9.5-511(d) 2, any individual may submit an application to the planning department containing substantial and competent documentation that an area meets the Tier I criteria. Applications must be received by July 1 of each year on a form approved by the director of planning for consideration by the special master at a public hearing advertised at least fifteen (15) days prior to the hearing date. Said hearing by the special master shall be held prior to November 1 of each year. The director of planning will review the documentation and any other appropriate scientific information and prepare an analysis report for the special master. The special master will render a written opinion to the planning commission and board of county commissioners either that the application meets the criteria for designating the lands as Tier I or that the documentation is insufficient to warrant a map amendment. The posting, advertising and review will follow the procedures in 9.5-51 l(d)(3)(4) and (5)." -remainder of the page left blank- P60-04 Goal 105 tier criteria LDR PC Page 4 of 5 PASSED AND ADOPTED By the Planning Commission of Monroe County, Florida at a regular meeting held on the 16`h day of November 2004. Chair Lynn Mapes YES Vice Chair Denise Werling YES Commissioner David C. Ritz YES Commissioner Julio Margalli YES Commissioner James Cameron YES PLANNING COMMISSION OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Lynn Mapes, Chair Signed this day of , 2004. P60-04 Goal 105 tier criteria LDR PC Page 5 of 5 DEVELOPMENT REVIEW COMMITTEE RESOLUTION DRC RESOLUTION NO. D26-04 A RESOLUTION BY THE MONROE COUNTY DEVELOPMENT REVIEW COMMITTEE RECOMMENDING APPROVAL TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE REQUEST BY THE MONROE COUNTY PLANNING DEPARTMENT TO ADD THE FOLLOWING AMENDMENTS TO THE MONROE COUNTY LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS TO IMPLEMENT GOAL 105 OF THE 2010 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND THE TIER OVERLAY SYSTEM. BY RENUMBERING EXISTING SECTION 9.5-256 TO 9.5-271 AND ADDING A NEW SECTION 9.5-256, TIER OVERLAY DISTRICT, PROVIDING CRITERIA FOR DESIGNATION OF TIER BOUNDARIES AND PROVIDING A MECHANISM FOR TIER OVERLAY MAP AMENDMENTS. WHEREAS, the Monroe County Development Review Committee, during a regular meeting held on September 9, 2004, conducted a review and consideration of the request filed by the Monroe County Planning Department proposing amendments to the Monroe County Land Development Regulations to implement Goal 105 of the 2010 Comprehensive Plan and the Tier Overlay system; WHEREAS, Goal 105 provides a framework for future development and land acquisition for the next 20 years that considers the carrying capacity of the Florida Keys, reduces sprawl and promotes sustainability; WHEREAS, Tier Maps were developed following the criteria in Goal 105, utilizing computer mapping (GIS), identifying areas appropriate for additional development and those, which are important environmentally and should be preserved. WHEREAS, The boundaries for the Tier Maps were drawn using environmental and development information and digital data from the Florida Keys Carrying Capacity Study (FKCCS), the Planning Department and the Property Appraisers Office and refined through site visits by the County Biologists and Planners. WHEREAS, hammock size is a major determinate of habitat quality according to the FKCCS, therefore size and connectivity are used in determining the boundary of the Tiers to identify the best and most important terrestrial habitat areas for preservation. WHEREAS, Tier I includes all contiguous hammock areas above four acres and restoration areas between fragmented smaller hammock patches to increase the hammock size and buffers where possible. Hammock size is a major determinate of habitat quality according to FKCCS, which is why size and connectivity were used to identify the best and most important terrestrial habitat areas for preservation. WHEREAS, Tier II contains smaller hammock patches isolated by surrounding development; the quality is reduced because of the negative secondary impacts of development. These areas still contain a large number of undeveloped lots. WHEREAS, Tier III is appropriate for additional infill development because of the location and amount of existing development in the areas designated. WHEREAS, adding new section 9.5-256, Tier Overlay District provides criteria for the designation of Tier Boundaries and provides a mechanism for Tier overlay maps amendments; WHEREAS, the Tier Maps, when adopted, will become a zoning overlay; WHEREAS, the Tier maps were reviewed by Ricardo Calvo, our consultant, who also was the project manager of the Florida Keys Carrying Capacity Study. The Overlay Tier Maps are the basis of an elegant system for protecting the valuable habitat of the Keys and preventing sprawl; WHEREAS, ROGO has been completely redrafted utilizing the Tier System as it's basis; WHEREAS, the County Land Acquisition Master Plan will be based on the tier designation; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE DEVELOPMENT REVIEW COMMITTEE OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, to recommend APPROVAL to the Monroe County Planning Commission, of the amendments to the Monroe County Land Development Regulations that will create the Tier Overlay District. PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Development Review Committee of Monroe County, Florida, at a regular meeting held on the 9`h of September, 2004. Aref Joulani, DRC Chair YES Jason King, Planner YES David Dacquisto YES Andrew Trivette, Biologist YES Ralph Gouldy, Senior Environmental Resources Planner YES Department of Public Works YES Department of Engineering YES Department of Health YES DEVELOPMENT REVIEW COMMITTEE OF MONROE COUNTY al Aref Joulani, DRC Chair Signed this 9th day of September, 2004.