2.6.4. NATURAL AREAS OVERLAY (-NAO).
A. Purpose. The –NAO overlay zone district is intended to be used with portions of the POS zone district to preserve or encourage the continuation of natural lands and open spaces that are not designated as City parks lands. The –NAO designation recognizes the function of these lands to offer refuge from the built environment, retain unique aesthetic qualities, preserve animal and plant habitats, support the function of natural systems, ensure the integration of open space lands as an essential land use component of the existing and future city, The –NAO designation is intended to designate and preserve, through limited development and use, those lands that are not appropriate for development due to the presence of sensitive natural features and prescribed resource management goals and objectives for such features. Designated lands are generally comprised of natural and conservation areas and preserves defined by the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Department and other sites encumbered by easements with use and development restrictions for the protection of the conservable values of the site.
B. Standards.
1. Notwithstanding other provisions of this UDO, –NAO areas shall be restricted to only development and uses prescribed within conservation easements, master plans, resource management plans and other approved planning and design documents that have been approved by the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Department.
2. For public works related projects, including but not limited to street, drainageway and utility infrastructure improvements, such development within natural areas shall be permitted only if does not violate applicable conservation easement protections and if it is consistent with the intent and spirit of the master plan or resource management plan after considering and implementing all feasible avoidance and mitigation measures to minimize adverse impacts. (Ord. No. 2019-49 § 1, 08-19-2019)