29.10.040 Urban conservancy.
(Open-space areas located waterward of the parcel boundaries in the Columbia River Reach 1, Subreaches (SR) 3a (north portion of Chiawana Park), 3b, 5c (nonlevee portion of the wetland near Riverview Park), 6c (portion waterward of the trail), Reach 7 (Sacajawea Park, excluding the boat launch and recreation area), and SR 8a.)
(1) Purpose. The purpose of the urban conservancy environment is to protect and restore ecological functions of open space, floodplain, and other sensitive lands where they exist in urban and developed settings, while allowing a variety of compatible uses.
(2) Designation Criteria. The following criteria are used to consider an urban conservancy environment designation:
(a) The shoreline contains open space, floodplain, or other sensitive areas that should not be more intensively developed;
(b) The shoreline has riparian vegetation with high to moderate ecological functions;
(c) The shoreline has potential for development that is compatible with ecological restoration; or
(d) The shoreline is not generally suitable for water-dependent uses, however, has moderate-to-high potential for public, water-related, or water-enjoyment uses where ecological functions can be maintained or restored.
(3) Management Policies. In addition to the other applicable policies and regulations of this SMP, the following management policies shall apply:
(a) Shoreline uses that preserve the natural character of the area or promote preservation of open space, floodplain, or sensitive lands either directly or during the long-term should be the primary allowed uses. Uses that result in restoration of ecological functions should be allowed if the use is otherwise compatible with the purpose of the environment and the setting.
(b) Encourage regulations for shoreline stabilization measures, vegetation conservation, water quality, and shoreline modifications to ensure no net loss of shoreline ecological functions;
(c) Public access and public recreation uses should be allowed whenever feasible and significant ecological impacts can be mitigated; or
(d) Water-oriented uses should be given priority over nonwater-oriented uses. For shoreline areas adjacent to commercially navigable waters, water-dependent uses should be given priority. [Ord. 4314 § 2, 2016; Code 1970 § 29.01.130.]