Necessary Disturbance

Through the Necessary Disturbance process, an applicant may request that the Department of Planning and Zoning (DPZ), in consultation with the Department of Public Works and the Office of Community Sustainability, grant relief from strict compliance with specific land development regulations related to development impacts within the flood plain, wetlands, streams, and steep slopes.

The proposed impact must be necessary for the construction of public or private roads, driveways, utilities, trails, pathways, or stormwater management facilities which are essential for reasonable development of the property.  The design must minimize the disturbance and no other reasonable alternative exist.  The cost of reasonable alternatives is not a factor in the decision-making process and DPZ requires mitigation for the approved disturbance.

 

Requests for necessary disturbance must be made in writing to the Department of Planning and Zoning, Division of Land Development. The request must include a narrative and plan exhibit that shows the existing environmental features, proposed improvement, and the limit of environmental disturbance. 

Reports

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2024

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2022

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2021

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2020

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2019

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