3/28/1989 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

iVIAR 2 8 -1989 BOOK (b F1.�;E 452 STAFF RESPONSE: While most development within this area is precluded by ordinance #82-30, the ramp facility is located to the west of the established environmental area; outside of the overall environmental area. EXPRESSED CONCERN: That the improvements identified in Phase V of this plan should not be allowed in a single-family dis- trict. STAFF RESPONSE: This would normally be the case if these improvements were considered to be the principal use of the land. However, in this situation, the boat facility has been identified as an accessory use to the permitted residential use. EXPRESSED CONCERN: That the proposed improvements will have a substantial environmental impact upon the immediate area. STAFF RESPONSE: Review by the County's Environmental Plan- ning staff and other jurisdictional agencies indicate that adverse environmental impacts will not result from this plan (See Environmental Analysis). The Planning and Zoning Commission, in making its decision, voiced that its main concern was not with the environmental mitigation that is occurring with the overall plan, but was instead with the addition of a boat ramp that could possibly increase undesir- able boat traffic to the river. ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS: During the review of this site plan the County's Environmental Planning staff inspected the proposed boat ramp location and canal conditions. It is estimated that the canal's average depth between the proposed ramp location and the canal's entrance to the Indian River Lagoon is 3 to 4 feet. Directly east of the canal's entrance to the lagoon exists a substantial seagrass bed, and what appears to be a sandbar and rock ridge features which obstruct direct access to the intracoastal waterway. Discussions with the residents of the area revealed that existing boat traffic enters and exits the mouth of the canal from the north (paralleling the shore of the lagoon) in order to avoid the seagrass bed and the shallow draft conditions imposed by the sandbar area. Residents have also reported that manatees have been spotted in the canal. In coordination with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service, the County's Environmental Planning Staff recommended, with the applicant in agreement, that the proposed boat ramp facility be approved subject to the condition that a canal access management plan (i.e. channel directional, speed and manatee caution signs) be submitted and approved by the County prior to site plan release for Phase V, the phase in which the boat ramp facility would be constructed. In the opinion of the County Planning staff and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service, such a condition would adequately address impacts on the seagrass bed and manatees. 12