EXHIBIT A CITY OF FORT WALTON BEACH, FLORIDA INTRODUCTION The Coastal Management and the Conservation Elements required by Chapter 9J-5.012 and 5.013, F.A.C., respectively, have been combined into one element henceforth referred to as the Coastal Management and Conservation Element (CMCE). The purpose of the coastal management portion of the element is to plan for appropriate coastal development activities, and where appropriate, restrict development where development would either be subject to destruction by natural disaster or would damage or destroy natural resources. The conservation portion of this element of the comprehensive plan is intended to promote the conservation, use and protection of natural resources. The objectives and policies of the CMCE are directly related to several other elements of this plan. Any development or redevelopment proposal should consult those elements to determine consistency with those elements as well as the policies of this element. COASTAL PLANNING AREA (CPA) The Coastal Planning Area of the City includes, as a minimum, the following areas: 1. the water and submerged lands of estuarine water bodies, such as Choctawhatchee Bay; 2. shorelines adjacent to estuaries, such as Choctawhatchee Bay; 3. living estuarine resources, such as sea grasses; 4. marine wetlands; 5. water-dependent or water-related facilities on estuarine waters, such as Choctawhatchee Bay; 6. public access facilities to estuarine shorelines, such as Choctawhatchee Bay; and, 7. all lands adjacent to the above where development activities would impact the integrity or quality of items 1-6 above. In addition, for the purposes of implementing the requirements of hurricane evaluation and hazard mitigation, the CPA includes all areas of the City lying within the hurricane vulnerability zone (i.e. areas subject to coastal flooding / areas requiring evacuation in the event of a 100-year storm or Category 3 storm event). Coastal Management & Conservation E-1 Adoption Revision
The CPA also includes all occurrences of estuarine waters within the City Limits for implementing the water quality, water quantity, estuarine pollution, or estuarine environmental quality requirements of the Coastal Management Element. The City s Coastal Management and Conservation Element becomes part of the State s strategy for coastal zone management. The Department of Community Affairs, which houses the State s Coastal Zone Management Program, will review the Coastal Management and Conservation Element for consistency with Florida s Coastal Management Program. Federal coastal zone resources are then allocated to the state based on the consistency of the local plans with the state plan. GOALS, AND The goals, objectives and policies of the Coastal Management and Conservation Element address the management and use of the natural resources found in the City's Coastal Planning Area. The goal, and the following objectives and policies are all intended to be implemented within the time- frame of the five-year Comprehensive Plan update. GOAL E - PRESERVE, PROTECT, AND WHEN POSSIBLE, RESTORE THE RESOURCES OF THE CITYS COASTAL PROTECTION AREA. ALLOW THE USE OF COASTAL RESOURCES AFTER CONSIDERATION OF AESTHETIC, ECOLOGICAL, CULTURAL AND HISTORIC FACTORS, AND UPON CONSIDERATION OF POTENTIAL DAMAGE OR DESTRUCTON OF PUBLIC OR PRIVATE PROPERTY. OBJECTIVE E.1 - THE CITY SHALL CONTINUE TO PROTECT, CONSERVE OR ENHANCE COASTAL WETLANDS, LIVING MARINE RESOURCES AND WILDLIFE HABITATS. Policy E.1.1 - The Land Development Code shall continue to encourage the use of native vegetation, including trees, as part of the landscaping requirement for new development and redevelopment in the City. Policy E.1.2 - The City shall require the use of xeric (drought-resistant) landscape materials and native species, to the greatest extent possible, and revise the Land Development Code accordingly by June 18, 2001. Policy E.1.3 - The Land Development Code shall continue to prohibit the channeling of stormwater run-off directly into natural water bodies. Policy E.1.4 - The Land Development Code shall continue to provide standards necessary to protect any identified areas which are habitats for species, both flora and fauna, classified as endangered, threatened or a Coastal Management & Conservation E-2 Adoption Revision
species of special concern, by the Department of the Interior, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Policy E.1.5 - The Land Development Code shall continue to require the preparation and implementation of a habitat management plan as a prerequisite to the approval of any development proposed on a site containing areas designated as Conservation on the Future Land Use Map Series. Policy E.1.6 - The Land Development Code shall continue to require that any lands included as part of a proposed development site which are to be preserved for use as habitat for flora and fauna classified as endangered, threatened or a species of special concern by the Department of the Interior, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service shall be located adjacent to existing viable habitat, a significant wetland system, floodplain or a wildlife corridor Policy E.1.7 - The Generalized Wetlands Map (1991) designates those areas of the City which are areas of potential jurisdictional wetlands however, smaller areas not shown may also be determined to be wetlands by FDEP, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Northwest Florida Water Management District and the Florida Natural Areas Inventory. OBJECTIVE E.2 - THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE SHALL CONTINUE TO CONTAIN REQUIREMENTS FOR NEW DEVELOPMENT OR REDEVELOPMENT THAT WILL MAINTAIN OR IMPROVE ESTUARINE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY. Policy E.2.1- The City shall implement the land use categories shown on the Future Land Use Map Series and as defined in the in Generalized Land Use Section of the Future Land Use Element, and revise the Land Development Code accordingly by June 18, 2001. Policy E.2.2 - The City shall continue to limit the use of environmentally sensitive zones such as wetland protection zones (WPZ) and shoreline protection zones (SPZ) and significant State-jurisdictional wetland areas to water dependent uses. Policy E.2.3 - The City shall require a minimum setback for principal buildings and development adjacent to the WPZ/SPZ and accessory buildings in a WPZ/SPZ as specified in Future Land Use Element Policy A. 5. 1, and revise the Land Development Code accordingly by June 18, 2001. Coastal Management & Conservation E-3 Adoption Revision
Policy E.2.4 - The City shall assure that all development planned along Choctawhatchee Bay/Santa Rosa Sound be designed in such a manner as to protect those water bodies from pollution resulting from stormwater runoff through measures that would include, but not be limited to, amendments to the Land Development Code, which shall be revised accordingly by June 18, 2001. OBJECTIVE E.3 - THE CITY SHALL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE SPECIFIC CRITERIA AND PERFORMANCE STANDARDS WHICH PRIORITIZE SHORELINE USES, GIVING WATER- DEPENDENT USES FIRST PRIORITY. Policy E.3.1- The Land Development Code shall continue to contain provisions that protect and conserve the natural functions of all wetland areas and water bodies, Wetland Protection Zones (WPZ) and Shoreline Protection Zones (SPZ) as specified in Policy A. 5. 1, Future Land Use Element. The protection afforded WPZ s and SPZ s by FLUE Policy A.5.1 shall also be afforded significant State-jurisdictional wetlands. Policy E.3.2 - The Land Development Code shall continue to contain criteria for the development of shoreline property so that any cultural or natural resources on those properties are preserved or protected and shoreline erosion is minimized. Policy E.3.3 The City shall: a) encourage mixed-use development along Santa Rosa Sound; b) include provisions that permit marinas, docks, piers, and recreation facilities along the Sound; and, c) encourage the dedication of a minimum 10 foot wide easement for a boardwalk along Santa Rosa Sound from Brooks Bridge to Liza Jackson Park to be constructed and maintained by the City, and revise the Land Development Code accordingly be June 18, 2001. OBJECTIVE E.4 - THE CITY SHALL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE STANDARDS IN THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE WHICH MINIMIZE THE IMPACTS OF MAN-MADE STRUCTURES ON AND RESTORE ESTUARINE BEACH SYSTEMS. Policy E.4.1 - The City shall preserve and restore, where feasible, the native sand-stabilizing vegetation of the estuarine beaches by December 31, 2003. Policy E.4.2 - The City shall continue to prohibit public or private activities that would increase erosion beyond the natural estuarine beach erosion cycle or would otherwise deteriorate the estuarine beach system. Coastal Management & Conservation E-4 Adoption Revision
Policy E.4.3 - The Land Development Code shall be amended by June 18, 2001 to require that development or redevelopment restore/stabilize estuarine beaches where the rate of erosion will support such efforts. OBJECTIVE E.5 - THE CITY SHALL CONTINUE TO LIMIT PUBLIC EXPENDITURES, EXCEPT RESTORATION OR ENHANCEMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, THAT SUBSIDIZE DEVELOPMENT IN COASTAL HIGH HAZARD AREAS. Policy E.5.1 - The Coastal High Hazard Area shall be defined as the evaluation zone for a Category 1 Hurricane as established on the NORTHWEST FLORIDA HURRICANE STORM TIDE ATLAS (OKALOOSA COUNTY), May 1998. Policy E.5.2 - The City shall participate with other local governments in Okaloosa County to develop an Okaloosa County Local Mitigation Strategy by June 18, 2000, which will include the following: a. Public participation in the form of a Citizens Advisory Committee, b. Guiding Principles, which will seek structural and non-structural methods to reduce the risk from flooding and hurricanes to life, property and critical infrastructure, c. Mitigation Initiatives which will, at a minimum: (1) Reduce future expenses from repetitive losses, (2) Mitigate land use conflicts in CHHA'S, (3) Protect and restore environmentally sensitive areas, (4) Promote CRS activities, and (5) Further intergovernmental coordination, and; d. Develop and prioritize mitigation projects for each participating local government in the County. OBJECTIVE E.6- THE CITY SHALL DIRECT NEW POPULATION GROWTH AWAY FROM KNOWN OR PREDICTED COASTAL HIGH HAZARD AREAS BY REDUCING RESIDENTIAL DENSITIES IN ALL OF THE FOLLOWING AREAS AND BECAUSE OF THE THREAT TO HUMAN LIFE AND PRIVATE PROPERTY SHALL NOT AMEND THE PLAN TO ALLOW DENSITIES HIGHER THAN THOSE ESTABLISHED BY THIS PLAN: (1) MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT/REDEVELOPMENT THAT FURTHERS ECONOMIC AND REVITALIZATION EFFORTS IN THE MAIN STREET MIXED-USE (MUMS) AND MIXED-USE WATERFRONT (MUW) LAND USE DESIGNATIONS ON THE FUTURE LAND USE MAP SERIES, AND Coastal Management & Conservation E-5 Adoption Revision
(2) RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT OR REDEVELOPMENT THAT IS IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE FUTURE LAND USE MAP SERIES AND THE CITY S CODE OF ORDINANCES. Policy E.6.1 - The City shall continue to participate in the Federal Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Policy E.6.2 - The City shall maintain requirements for structural wind resistance at least as restrictive as those stated in the edition of the Standard Building Code adopted in the City's Code of Ordinances on or after January 1, 2001, the Florida Building Code, whichever is in effect. Policy E.6.3 - The Flood Damage Prevention requirements in the Land Development Code shall continue to require that all new construction or a substantial improvement to existing structures meet the minimum specified flood elevation on the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) adopted by the City. (See FLUE Policy A. 5.3) Policy E.6.4 - The City shall continue to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program's Community Rating System (CRS) program to assure City residents of the lowest practical flood insurance rates. Policy E.6.5 - The City shall cooperate with the Okaloosa County Emergency Management Department to promote public education by distributing hurricane evacuation policy and hurricane preparedness information through neighborhood and condominium associations by May 30th of each year. Policy E.6.6 - The City shall require that any Development of Regional Impact approved subsequent to the adoption of this plan provide hurricane shelters to protect its residents, and revise the Land Development Code accordingly by June 18, 2001. Policy E.6.7 - The City shall maintain clearance times for hurricane evacuation and coordinate land uses with emergency evacuation by periodically monitoring hurricane clearance times. Policy E.6.8 - The City shall continue to include drainage improvements in all road repair projects along City-maintained emergency evacuation routes. Policy E.6.9 Densities for parcels located within the CHHA will not be increased on the Future Land Use map, unless offset by density reductions elsewhere in the CHHA. OBJECTIVE E.7- THE CITY SHALL CONTINUE TO MAINTAIN OR REDUCE HURRICANE EVACUATION TIMES. Coastal Management & Conservation E-6 Adoption Revision
Policy E.7.1 - The City shall continue to coordinate with the Okaloosa County Emergency Management Department in order to implement the recommendations provided in the Okaloosa County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan for hurricane evacuation procedure. Policy E.7.2 - The City shall continue to support improvements to critical roadway segments of the hurricane evacuation routes through participation in the Fort Walton Beach Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and through interaction with the Florida Department of Transportation. Policy E.7.3 - The City shall continue to maintain a minimum roadway clearance time for hurricane evacuation of 12 hours on roads under City jurisdiction. The City shall evaluate all development orders that require site plan review in order to determine if hurricane clearance times would be maintained. OBJECTIVE E.8 - THE CITY SHALL DEVELOP A POST- DISASTER RECONSTRUCTION AND REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAM WHICH WILL, REDUCE OR ELIMINATE EXPOSURE OF HUMAN LIFE AND PUBLIC AND PRIVATE PROPERTY TO NATURAL HAZARDS. Policy E.8.1 - The City shall prepare and approve a Post-Disaster Redevelopment Plan by October 1, 2001, which will reduce or eliminate the exposure of human life and property to natural hazards. OBJECTIVE E.9 - THE CITY SHALL ASSESS THE AMOUNT OF PUBLIC ACCESS TO THE BEACH OR SHORELINES CONSISTENT WITH ESTIMATED PUBLIC NEEDS. Policy E.9.1 The City shall implement a performance bonus provision to allow additional density for multifamily development redevelopment projects which include provision for an easement for construction of a public boardwalk along Santa Rosa Sound from Brooks Bridge to Liza Jackson Park and/or public access to the Sound, and revise the Land Development Code accordingly by June 18, 2001. Policy E.9.2 - The Water's Edge Master Plan referred to in Objective 12 of this element shall also include an assessment of the amount of public access to the beach or shorelines available and the amount needed for the citizens of Fort Walton Beach by December 31, 2003. Policy E.9.3 - The City will continue to maintain existing public beach/shoreline access and provide adequate off-street parking facilities for vehicles and bicycles for each site. Coastal Management & Conservation E-7 Adoption Revision
Policy E.9.4 - The City will continue to monitor development and redevelopment for compliance with the Coastal Zone Protection Act of 1985. Policy E.9.5 In conjunction with the preparation of the Water s Edge Master Plan (WEMP), the City shall, when feasible, provide additional public access to Choctawhatchee Bay/Santa Rosa Sound, especially at those areas that are more easily accessible to the public and are consistent with broader recreational objectives. OBJECTIVE E.10 - THE CITY WILL PROVIDE FOR THE PROTECTION, PRESERVATION, OR SENSITIVE REUSE OF HISTORIC AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES. Policy E.10.1 - The City shall task the City's Historic Sites and Structures Advisory Board with the identification, protection, analysis and explanation of the City's historic resources by June 18, 2001. (See HE Policy C. 4. 1) Policy E.10.2 The City shall require that one (1) archaeological survey be conducted, prior to construction, when any development or redevelopment project is proposed within the "archaeologically sensitive zone ; when development will impact the subsoil to a depth of greater than 18 inches, and revise the Land Development Code accordingly by June 18, 2001. (See FLUE Policy A. 5.5) Policy E.10.3 - The City's Department of Community Development Services shall continue to assist in the rehabilitation and adaptive re-use of historically significant buildings in applying for and utilizing available State and Federal assistance programs. (See HE Policy C. 4.2) OBJECTIVE E. 11 - THE CITY SHALL ESTABLISH LEVEL OF SERVICE STANDARDS, AREAS OF SERVICE AND INFRASTRUCTURE PHASING WITHIN THE COASTAL PLANNING AREA. Policy E.11.1 - The City shall continue to maintain levels of services established for potable water, stormwater management, solid waste disposal, sanitary sewer, traffic circulation and recreation and open space specified in the Transportation, Infrastructure and Recreation and Open Space Elements of this plan. Policy E.11.2 - Infrastructure improvements and areas of service shall be phased according to the Capital improvement Element of this Plan. Policy E.11.3 - Development in the Coastal Planning Area shall be as shown on the Future Land Use Map Series and as specified in the goals, objectives and policies of the Future Land Use Element and Infrastructure Element of this Plan. Coastal Management & Conservation E-8 Adoption Revision
OBJECTIVE E.12 - THE CITY SHALL CONDUCT A SPECIAL AREA STUDY TO ADDRESS STRATEGIES EXPRESSED IN THE VISION PLAN AND THE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT PLAN UPDATE WHICH WILL MAINTAIN VIEWS TO CHOCTAWHATCHEE BAY AND SANTA ROSA SOUND; PROVIDE PUBLIC ACCESS TO WATER - RELATED ACTIVITIES AND TO CREATE ESTUARY HABITAT AREAS FOR PRESERVATION AND OPEN SPACE. Policy E.12.1 - The City shall apply to the Florida Waterfront's Program in 2001 and in other years in order to reserve funding to develop a Water's Edge Master Plan for the City's Choctawhatchee Bay and Santa Rosa Sound. Policy E.12.2 - The Water's Edge Master Plan shall include a strategy whereby the City would initiate a cooperative effort with adjacent local governments to work with the water management district to lobby for Federal designation as a National Estuary by December 31, 2003. Policy E.12.3 - The Water's Edge Master Plan shall include a strategy whereby the City's Parks and Recreation, Public Works and Community Development Services Departments shall coordinate an effort to plan for stormwater treatment sites compatible with future development areas, the redevelopment efforts and future parks and open space sites by December 31, 2003. Policy E.12.4 - The Water's Edge Master Plan shall include a strategy whereby the City will consider creating a long- range waterfront parks system that is compatible with the Community Redevelopment Plan and provides access to the water for active and passive recreation for the public by December 31, 2003. Policy E.12.5 - The Water's Edge Master Plan shall include a strategy whereby the City would consider allocating areas along the waterfront to allow the natural vegetative communities to regenerate thereby, promoting the natural cleansing of stormwater run-off and encourage habitat for aquatic life by December 31, 2003. Policy E.12.6 - The Water's Edge Master Plan shall include a strategy whereby the City would consider creating a storm pipe/perforated pipe replacement program and a storm catch basin maintenance program by December 31, 2003. OBJECTIVE E.13 - THE CITY SHALL CONTINUE TO MAINTAIN AIR QUALITY WITHIN ITS JURISDICTION IN CONFORMANCE WITH STATE AND FEDERAL AIR QUALITY REGULATIONS. Coastal Management & Conservation E-9 Adoption Revision
Policy E.13.1 - The City shall continue to protect and enhance the air quality of the City by requiring in the Land Development Code that all sources of air pollution comply with rules promulgated by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Environmental Protection Agency, whichever is the most restrictive. Policy E.13.2 - The Land Development Code shall continue to require that any source of air pollution emissions be tested by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection at the expense of the person responsible for the source of pollution. OBJECTIVE E.14 - THE CITY SHALL CONSERVE, APPROPRIATELY USE AND PROTECT THE QUALITY AND QUANTITY OF WATER SOURCES AND OF WATER THAT FLOW INTO CHOCTAWHATCHEE BAY, ITS BAYOUS, AND THE SANTA ROSA SOUND. Policy E.14.1 - The City shall provide economic development opportunities consistent with the limitations of the natural resources by permitting only nonpolluting industrial and commercial activities in all areas designated for industrial or commercial land use on the Future Land Use Map Series. Policy E.14.2 - New development and redevelopment proposed for areas designated as Conservation (CO) on the Future Land Use Map Series shall be consistent with the Future Land Use and Coastal Management and Conservation Elements. Policy E.14.3 - The use of mitigation plans will maximize the preservation of existing natural resources. Policy E.14.4 When acquiring shoreline areas intended for public open space, recreation, or natural resource protection, the City shall, as a priority, develop and where economically feasible, implement measures that will protect, enhance, and restore shoreline vegetation and ecosystems. Policy E.14.5 The City shall participate and coordinate with the development and implementation of the Choctawhatchee River and Bay System Surface Water Improvement (SWIM) Plan. Policy E.14.6 - The City shall implement recommendations of the City of Fort Walton Beach Regional Water Supply Plan which includes the projected needs through 2017. Elements of this Plan for infrastructure improvements and water conservation programs are defined and funded in the Capital Improvement Plan. Water conservation measures include expanding the reclaimed water system so that reclaimed water can be used for irrigation instead of potable water; and continuing to educate the public on water conservation issues. Coastal Management & Conservation E-10 Adoption Revision
Policy E.14.7 - In cooperation with the Northwest Florida Water Management District, the City shall implement any emergency water conservation plans necessary to protect water sources during periods of insufficient supply. Policy E.14.8 - The City shall adopt the water resource development recommendations of the Northwest Florida Water Management District s Regional Water Supply Plan. Policy E.14.9 - The City shall demonstrate full consideration of the most current NWFWMD Regional Water Supply Plan when proposing and/or amending the City s Water Supply Plan. Policy E.14.10 - The City will continue to expand and encourage the use of reclaimed water in the City in order to discourage the use of potable water for irrigation purposes and other non-potable needs, thus reducing the dependence on the Floridan aquifer. OBJECTIVE E. 15 - THE CITY SHALL CONSERVE, APPROPRIATELY USE AND PROTECT THE MINERALS, SOILS AND NATIVE VEGETATIVE COMMUNITIES LOCATED VWTHIN THE CITY. Policy E.15.1 - The City shall require protection of the native tree population within the City in the form of a tree protection ordinance, and revise the Land Development Code accordingly by June 18, 2001. Policy E.15.2 - The City shall require preservation of native vegetative species on land proposed for development or redevelopment, where feasible, and revise the Land Development Code accordingly by June 18, 2001. Policy E.15.3 The City shall request the expertise of state agencies and private non-profit organizations in helping to identify occurrences of native vegetative communities within the city limits, and recommend those areas for protection through such measures as development restrictions, public acquisition, or other means that result in its protection. OBJECTIVE E. 16- THE CITY SHALL CONSERVE, APPROPRIATELY USE AND PROTECT THE FISH AND WILDLIFE AND THEIR HABITATS. Policy E.16.1 - The City shall continue to assist in the implementation of, and compliance with, all state and federal regulations applicable to all biotic species which are classified as endangered, threatened or a species of special concern by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and will continue to enforce provisions in the Land Development Code which Provide protection for areas of known habitat for such species. Such resources shall be prioritized for additional protection through such Coastal Management & Conservation E-11 Adoption Revision
measures as public acquisition, voluntary easements, or other means that result in its protection. Policy E.16.2 - The City' shall continue to coordinate with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Game and Freshwater Fish Commission or other appropriate state or federal agencies to provide protection to fisheries, wildlife, wildlife habit, and marine habitat that may be impacted by proposed development or redevelopment within the City. Policy E.16.3 - The Land Development Code shall continue to provide protection for threatened habitat of any of the species listed on the endangered, threatened or species of special concern inventory, (See CMCE. Policy E.1.4) Coastal Management & Conservation E-12 Adoption Revision