Mapping Natural Features for Protection

The Natural Features Protection (NFP) Ordinance  that was adopted in 2019 put in place standards for the development of land on or near areas identified with Natural Features in order to achieve better management and long-term protection of these areas. In Phase 2 of this project we are evaluating the current overlay district and mapping existing natural features throughout the City for inclusion in the NFP overlay.

Through this survey we are asking for the community's input on natural areas that should be considered for inclusion. Information on this project is available below. When you are ready to begin the survey please click "Take the Survey" below. All public feedback will be reviewed by the NFP Review Board and considered for inclusion in the final map recommendation for adoption by the City Commission.

Project Information

Phase 1: Current Overlay Map

In 2019 the Natural Features Protection (NFP) ordinance was approved including an overlay map and standards. The areas from that overlay map are shown on the map below in orange. When the NFP ordinance was approved we knew a more in depth mapping analysis would be required to identify locations that might have been missed in the first map.

Phase 2: Mapping Analysis

Phase Two of the NFP project launched in January 2020 with a mapping analysis to identify overlooked natural feature areas within the city. During Phase I of NFP, public feedback indicated the map was missing many parcels with natural features. To assist with identifying missing parcels, Geographic Information Systems and spatial analysis were used to review slope areas, tree canopy coverage, wetlands, and waterways. The results of the mapping analysis were reviewed and refined by the NFP review board in July and are now available for community review and comment.Those additional areas are shown on the map below in blue. 

Phase 2: Community Input (This survey!)

Now we need your on the ground expertise of natural areas. We want to know if there are natural areas that you enjoy or visit that we missed and should consider adding, or if there are spots on the overlay that you don't think should be included. 

Phase 2 Map for Commission review

All public feedback will be reviewed by the NFP Review Board and considered for inclusion in the final map recommendation for adoption by the City Commission.