LP0.5: 50% Greenspace (CONSERVATION)

Conservation Requirement

Purpose

To preserve or create natural ecosystems and provide educational and recreational opportunities to residents.

Criteria

If 25% of the entire project area is covered with prime agricultural soils, preserve at least 25% of the project area as agricultural land as defined by the United States Department of Agriculture. The portion preserved is not required to be the area of prime agricultural soils. This requirement is preserving the land only; points are awarded for creation or retention of a working farm.

AND

If the project is NOT a previously developed site: 

• Design the community such that a percentage of the property is preserved greenspace. 
  • High Priority Preservation Areas identified by the Habitat Conservation Plan or Habitat Map produced during site analysis must be preserved greenspace.
  • Land preserved by agricultural easement due to the identification of prime agricultural soils is calculated towards this percentage of greenspace.

If the project is a previously developed site: 

• Design the community such that a percentage of the property is preserved or constructed greenspace which mimics natural conditions and prioritizes habitat restoration. Constructed greenspace may also earn points within Greenspace and Habitat Restoration Credit. 
  • High Priority Preservation Areas identified by the Habitat Conservation Plan or Habitat Map produced during site analysis must be preserved greenspace.

Percentage of Greenspace	Points
50%	Required

Verification 

• For off-site greenspace: 
  • Aerial photo clearly indicating property boundary and greenspace in proximity to project. Size and distance should be clearly marked. 
  • Narrative indicating the ownership and management entity of these greenspaces. 
  • Documentation as needed that indicates preservation in permanent conservation easement or other legal conditions. 
  • Inspection by an ECC Technical Advisor.
• For on-site greenspace: 
  • Permitted site plan clearly indicating the greenspace areas. 
  • Construction documents that contain a protection plan for areas NOT to be cleared. Plan must dictate that an appropriate barrier (orange tree protection fence, wire-backed silt fence, etc.) must be installed PRIOR to tree clearing activities.
  • Controlling documents, such as conservation easements, indicating permanent protection of greenspace areas.
  • Inspection by an ECC Technical Advisor.