§ 1.04.02. Specific findings relating to the various subject areas of this Code.

With regard to the following specific subject areas of this Code, the county commission finds:

A.

Administration and enforcement.

1.

A single set of administrative procedures for making all land use decisions promotes efficiency, predictability, and citizen participation.

2.

All development proposals should undergo a development review process to assure compliance with the requirements of this Code.

3.

Developments of large potential impact on the community should go through a more rigorous review process than others.

4.

All administrative decisions should be supported by a record with written findings to assure accountability and efficient appellate review.

5.

Enforcement of development orders and the provisions of this Code should be through procedures that are efficient, effective and consistent with the code enforcement procedures established by state law.

B.

Signs.

1.

The manner of the erection, location and maintenance of signs affects the public health, safety, morals, and welfare of the people of this community.

2.

The safety of motorists, cyclists, pedestrians, other users of the public streets is affected by the number, size, location, lighting and movement of signs that divert the attention of drivers.

3.

The size and location of signs may, if uncontrolled, constitute an obstacle to effective firefighting techniques.

4.

The construction, erection and maintenance of large signs suspended from or placed on the tops of buildings, walls or other structures may constitute a direct danger to pedestrian and vehicular traffic below, especially during periods of strong winds, storms and hurricanes.

5.

Uncontrolled and unlimited signs may degrade the aesthetic attractiveness of the natural and manmade attributes of the community and thereby undermine the economic value of tourism, visitation and permanent economic growth.

C.

Off-street parking and loading.

1.

Off-street parking and loading of vehicles promotes the public safety and welfare by reducing traffic congestion.

2.

Well-designed off-street parking and loading areas promote the safe and efficient storage, loading and circulation of vehicles.

3.

Deferring the construction of some parking areas pending determination of the actual need for parking spaces, and taking into account public demand and the size of vehicles to be parked, conserves open space and developable land, and reduces the expense and hazard of controlling stormwater runoff.

4.

Allowing the use of porous paving materials and unpaved parking areas whenever possible conserves water and energy, moderates the microclimate, and reduces the expense and hazards of controlling stormwater runoff.

D.

Stormwater management.

1.

Increased stormwater runoff may cause erosion and pollution of ground and surface water with a variety of contaminants such as heavy metals and petroleum products.

2.

Stormwater runoff often contains nutrients, such as phosphorus and nitrogen, which may adversely affect flora and fauna by accelerating eutrophication of receiving waters.

3.

Erosion silts up water bodies, decreases their capacity to hold and transport water, interferes with navigation, and damages flora and fauna.

4.

Installation of impervious surfaces increases the volume and rate of stormwater runoff and decreases ground water recharge.

5.

Improperly managed stormwater runoff increases the incidence and severity of flooding and endangers property and human life.

6.

Degradation of ground and surface waters imposes economic costs on the community.

7.

Improperly managed stormwater adversely affects the drainage of off-site property.

E.

Protection of environmentally sensitive lands.

1.

Protection of environmentally sensitive lands described or mapped in the conservation element of the comprehensive plan promotes the well-being of the people of the county as described below and in the conservation element.

2.

Wetlands serve the following beneficial functions:

a.

Wetlands provide natural storage and conveyance of floodwaters, and minimize erosion and sedimentation by reducing flood flows and the velocity of floodwaters.

b.

Wetlands filter and help decompose sediments, nutrients, and other natural and manmade pollutants that would otherwise degrade surface and ground waters.

c.

Wetlands support commercial and recreational fishing because they provide essential nutrients and hatcheries for aquatic life.

d.

Wetlands provide habitat for rare and endangered species, and provide essential breeding and protective habitats for many other birds, mammals, and reptiles.

3.

Shorelines serve the following beneficial functions:

a.

Land adjoining waters or wetlands, which can generally be divided into submergent, transitional, and upland vegetation zones, provides essential habitat for many plant and animal species, including species that are endangered, threatened, or of special concern.

b.

Submergent, transitional, and upland vegetation zones serve as effective buffers against noise and other human activities which may have adverse effects on aquatic and wetland-dependent wildlife.

c.

Submergent, transitional, and upland vegetation zones help slow stormwater runoff flows and increase infiltration of water, nutrients, and other substances.

d.

Submergent, transitional, and upland vegetation zones reduce predation by domestic pets on wetland and wetland-dependent wildlife species.

[F., G. Reserved.]

H.

Protection of cultural resources.

1.

There are located within the county historical, architectural and archeological sites, buildings, structures, and objects that are unique and irreplaceable assets to the county.

2.

The recognition, protection, enhancement and use of these resources are public purposes promoting the economic, educational, cultural and general welfare of the public by increasing property values, stabilizing neighborhoods and older areas of the county, increasing economic benefits to the county and its inhabitants, enriching human life in its educational and cultural dimensions, and fostering civic pride in the beauty and noble accomplishments of the past.

[3.

Reserved.]

4.

It is the will of the Florida Legislature as expressed in F.S. ch. 267 that the state's historic sites and properties, buildings, artifacts, treasure troves, and objects of antiquity, which have scientific or historical value, or are of interest to the public, be protected and preserved.