2010-252A (17) - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

terrace extends into and beyond the northwest corner of the county and reaches elevations of approximately 40 feet above sea level. The topography of the county is depicted in Figure 2.17. Overall, the relatively flat terrain of the county poses few constraints to development as compared to a rough or rugged terrain. The topography is also a key feature in the natural drainage system and must be examined along with other natural features to identify development opportunities and constraints. These potential opportunities and constraints are addressed in the analysis section of this element and examined in the Conservation, Coastal Management, and Infrastructure Elements. Soils Soils can greatly influence the value or development potential of land. On farmland, those soils which are rich in nutrients provide the potential for high crop yields, while other soils require extensive fertilization and treatment. Generally, structures cannot be built on soils with poor load bearing capacity unless costly methods are employed to overcome the problem. Soils can also severely limit the use of sanitary facilities such as septic tanks and landfills. While wet soils often cannot accommodate septic tanks, ground water can be polluted in highly permeable soils. Those soils with high water tables may also indicate the existence of a wetland vegetative community. In Indian River County, the United States Soil Conservation Service has identified 58 different soil types. These soils are further classified into thirteen generalized soil types and distributed among five physiographic areas of the county as follows: sand ridges; coastal islands and tidal marshes; flatwoods, low knolls and ridges; sloughs, poorly defined drainage ways and hammocks; and freshwater swamps and marshes. The generalized soil types are depicted in Figure 2.18. The suitability of soils for development is discussed in the analysis section of this element and in greater detail in the Conservation and Coastal Management Elements. Future Land Use Element 46