MARIN
COUNTYWIDE PLAN
ADOPTED NOVEMBER 6, 2007
Marin Countywide Plan
Adopted by the
Marin County Board of Supervisors
Steve Kinsey, President, District 4
Charles McGlashan, Vice President, District 3
Susan L. Adams, District 1
Harold C. Brown, Jr., District 2
Judy Arnold, District 5
November 6, 2007
Prepared by the
Marin County Community Development Agency
Alex Hinds, Director
Printed on 100% post- consumer waste recycled paper.
MARIN COUNTYWIDE PLAN
ii
Recommended by the
Marin County Planning Commission
Wade B. Holland, Chair, District # 4
Randy L. Greenberg, Vice Chair, District # 3
Don Dickenson, District # 1
Jo Julin, District # 2
Hank Barner, District # 5
Mark Ginalski, At Large
Steve C. Thompson, At Large
July 23, 2007
With the assistance of the following Working Groups:
Built Environment Natural Systems Economy, Equity,
and Culture
Sustainability
Sue Beittel Robert Berner Clark Blasdell Meg Amaral
Mark Birnbaum Janet Brown Virginia Brunini Sue Beittel
Raison Cain Katherine Cuneo Hilda Castillo Clark Blasdell
Ken Eichstaedt George Grossi Katherine Crecelius Nona Dennis
Tom Hinman Randy Hayes Kristene Cristobal Nancy Ducos
Deb Hubsmith Jared Huffman Faye D’Opal Jeffery Ehlenbach
Bill McCubbin Penny Livingston- Stark Manny Fernandez Jim Goodwin
Betty Pagett Kathy Lowrey Darcy Hammons Grace Hughes
Alicia Retes Peter Luchetti Jim Henderson Arie Kurtzig
Tim Rosenfeld Carol Misseldine Lisa Lord Luke McCann
James Stark Don Neubacher Vinh O. Luu Charles McGlashan
Chantel Walker Carlos Porrata Charles McGlashan Linda Novy
Patsy White Ellie Rilla Byron Sigal Larry Rosenberger
Cecilia Zamora Ellen Straus Michael Walker Sim Van der Ryn
Amy Wilson
MARIN COUNTYWIDE PLAN
MARIN COUNTYWIDE PLAN iii
Marin County Community Development Agency
Project Staff
Alex Hinds, Agency/ Project Director
Brian Crawford, Assistant Director
Tom Lai, Deputy Director Planning Services
Nancy Grisham, County Counsel
Dawn Weisz, Acting Senior Planner
Kristin Drumm, Acting Senior Planner
Kris Krasnove, Planner
Donald Allee, Senior Clerk/ Typist
Fred Vogler, GIS Manager
Robert Taylor, GIS Analyst
Rachel Warner, Planner
Dana Armanino, Planner
Omar Peña, Planning Aide
Kim Shine, Senior Secretary
Leelee Thomas, Principal Planner
Sharon Silver, Senior Clerk/ Typist
Stacey Laumann, Planner
Dennis Healey, GIS Analyst II
Margaret Moster, GIS Analyst II
Vivian Lo, Planning Aide
Michelle Reed, Senior Clerk/ Typist
Joyce Evans, Secretary
Nancy Brooks, Secretary
Consultants
Terry Watt, Managing Consultant
Clem Shute, Legal Counsel
Richard Taylor, Legal Counsel
Charles Knox, Editor
Dan Hilmer, Residential Design
Jim Martin, Environment
Susan Bercu, Graphic Designer
Ken Smith, Photographer
Laura Hall, Urban Designer
Jared Ikeda, GIS Analyst
Bonnie Nelson, Transportation
David Strong, Agricultural Economics
Lisa Krieshok, Illustrations
Thomas Jacobson, Legal Counsel
Margaret Sohagi, Legal Counsel
Jeff Baird, Housing
Bob Berman, Environmental Quality
Lisa Bush, Agriculture and Environment
Suzanne Lampert, Economics
Karen Engel, Ph. D., Economics
Alec Hansen, Ph. D., Economics
Tim Rosenfeld, Energy
Steve Price, Photo Simulations
Elissa Rabellino, Copy Editor
Former Project Staff
Michele Rodriguez, Principal Planner
Dan Dawson, Senior Planner
Carol Williams, Assistant Planning Director
Barbara Collins, Affordable Housing Strategist
Larisa Roznowski, Planner
Sam Ruark, Planner
Gwen Johnson, Solar Program Coordinator
Link Allen, GIS Technician
Alexandra Morales, Senior Secretary
Former Project Interns
Julia Anderson
Marika Benko
Ariel Birtley
Adam Fleisher
Dru Krupinsky
Aluxa Laliker
Amelia Schmale
Cover photo: © Robert Campbell/ Chamois Moon
Copies of this report my be obtained by contacting the
Marin County Community Development Agency
3501 Civic Center Drive, Room 308
San Rafael, CA 94903
Phone ( 415) 499- 6269
or download for free from: http:// www. future- marin. org
MARIN COUNTYWIDE PLAN
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MARIN COUNTYWIDE PLAN
MARIN COUNTYWIDE PLAN v
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction to the Countywide Plan ..................................................................................................... 1- 1
1.1 What Is the Countywide Plan?........................................................................................................ 1- 1
1.2 History ............................................................................................................................... ............. 1- 3
1.3 Framework: Planning Sustainable Communities............................................................................. 1- 4
1.4 User Guide ............................................................................................................................... .... 1- 16
1.5 Plan Implementation ..................................................................................................................... 1- 19
2 — The Natural Systems and Agriculture Element ............................................................................... 2- 1
2.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................... ..... 2- 1
2.2 Key Trends and Issues .................................................................................................................... 2- 3
2.3 Framework...................................................................................................................... ................ 2- 5
2.4 Biological Resources ( BIO)............................................................................................................. 2- 7
2.5 Water Resources ( WR) ................................................................................................................. 2- 53
2.6 Environmental Hazards ( EH)........................................................................................................ 2- 69
2.7 Atmosphere and Climate ( AIR) .................................................................................................... 2- 91
2.8 Open Space ( OS)......................................................................................................................... 2- 115
2.9 Trails ( TRL) ............................................................................................................................... 2- 133
2.10 Agriculture and Food ( AG) ........................................................................................................ 2- 149
3 — The Built Environment Element ..................................................................................................... 3- 1
3.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................... ..... 3- 1
3.2 Key Trends and Issues .................................................................................................................... 3- 3
3.3 Framework...................................................................................................................... ................ 3- 5
3.4 Community Development ( CD)...................................................................................................... 3- 7
3.5 Community Design ( DES)............................................................................................................. 3- 55
3.6 Energy and Green Building ( EN).................................................................................................. 3- 75
3.7 Mineral Resources ( MIN).............................................................................................................. 3- 97
3.8 Housing ( HS)............................................................................................................................ .. 3- 107
3.9 Transportation ( TR) .................................................................................................................... 3- 141
3.10 Noise ( NO) ............................................................................................................................... . 3- 175
3.11 Public Facilities and Services ( PFS) ............................................................................................ 3- 193
3.12 Planning Areas ( PA) ................................................................................................................... 3- 217
MARIN COUNTYWIDE PLAN
vi
4 — The Socioeconomic Element........................................................................................................... 4- 1
4.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................... ..... 4- 1
4.2 Key Trends and Issues..................................................................................................................... 4- 3
4.3 Framework ............................................................................................................................... ....... 4- 7
4.4 Economy ( EC) ............................................................................................................................... . 4- 9
4.5 Child Care ( CH) ............................................................................................................................ 4- 23
4.6 Public Safety ( PS) ........................................................................................................................... 4- 33
4.7 Community Participation ( CP) ...................................................................................................... 4- 49
4.8 Diversity ( DIV)........................................................................................................................... ... 4- 57
4.9 Education ( EDU)........................................................................................................................... 4- 67
4.10 Environmental Justice ( EJ)............................................................................................................ 4- 77
4.11 Public Health ( PH) ....................................................................................................................... 4- 85
4.12 Arts and Culture ( ART) .............................................................................................................. 4- 111
4.13 Historical and Archaeological Resources ( HAR) ....................................................................... 4- 127
4.14 Parks and Recreation ( PK).......................................................................................................... 4- 141
5 — Appendix ............................................................................................................................... .......... 5- 1
Table of Figures ............................................................................................................................... ...... 5- 1
Table of Maps........................................................................................................................... ............. 5- 7
Figure 5- 1 Special- Status Animal Species Known From Marin County.............................................. 5- 13
Figure 5- 2 Special- Status Plant Species Known From Marin County.................................................. 5- 17
Glossary....................................................................................................................... ......................... 5- 21
MARIN COUNTYWIDE PLAN
MARIN COUNTYWIDE PLAN vii
The mission of the County of Marin is
to provide excellent services that
support healthy, safe and sustainable communities;
preserve Marin’s unique environmental heritage; and
encourage meaningful participation
in the governance of the County for all.
STRATEGIC PLANNING GOALS
The following strategic planning goals have also been adopted by
the Marin County Board of Supervisors
COMMUNITY GOALS
♦ Healthy Communities
♦ Safe Communities
♦ Sustainable Communities
♦ Environmental Preservation
♦ Community Participation
ORGANIZATIONAL GOALS
♦ Excellent Customer Service
♦ Employer of Choice
♦ Effective Communication
♦ Managing for Results
♦ Financial Responsibility
MARIN COUNTYWIDE PLAN
viii
he Marin Countywide
Plan guides the
conservation and
development of Marin County.
California law requires every
city and county in the state
to prepare and adopt a
comprehensive long- range
general plan for the physical
development of the jurisdiction.
While the law establishes specific
requirements for the contents
of the general plan, within that
framework each community
has the latitude to design its
own future. Through extensive
public participation, individual
residents and representatives
of many organizations have
contributed to the creation
of this document.
THE COUNTYWIDE PLAN
T
What is the Countywide Plan?
MARIN COUNTYWIDE PLAN 1.1 Introduction 1- 1
© Robert Campbell/ Chamois Moon
“ Planning is best done
in advance.”
– Anonymous
Marin County has long maintained a tradition of environmental planning balanced with the recognition
of the essential linkages between land use, transportation, and the need for affordable housing. The first
Countywide Plan, adopted in 1973, remains a visionary document.
In the Countywide Plan, the 606 square miles of land and water that make up Marin County are
designated as an environmental unit consisting of regions called corridors. Each corridor is based on
specific geographical and environmental characteristics and natural boundaries formed by north- and
south- running ridges ( see Map 1- 2). In the 1973 Plan, the following three environmental corridors were
designated:
The Coastal Recreation Corridor ( renamed the Coastal Corridor in this update) is
adjacent to the Pacific Ocean and is primarily designated for federal parklands, recreational
uses, agriculture, and the preservation of existing small coastal communities.
The Inland Rural Corridor, in the central and
northwestern part of the county, is primarily designated
for agriculture and compatible uses, and for preservation
of existing small communities.
The City- Centered Corridor, along Highway 101
in the eastern part of the county near San Francisco
and San Pablo bays, is primarily designated for urban
development and for protection of environmental
resources. This corridor is divided into six planning areas
generally based on watersheds.
The environmental features that focus development within the City- Centered Corridor have been
updated and clarified as depicted in Maps 3- 1a and 3- 1b.
For over 30 years, these geographic designations have been widely recognized as the organizing
principle of the Countywide Plan and have been modified only slightly in the course of three updates of
the Plan. In this update of the Plan, the following fourth environmental corridor has been designated:
The Baylands Corridor, encompassing lands along the shoreline of San Francisco,
San Pablo, and Richardson bays, provides heightened recognition of the unique environmental
characteristics of this area and the need to protect its important resources. The area generally
contains marshes, tidelands, and diked lands that were once wetlands or part of the bays, and
adjacent, largely undeveloped uplands.
1- 2 INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
MARIN COUNTYWIDE PLAN Introduction 1- 3
“ When one tugs at a single
thing in nature, he finds it
attached to the rest of
the world.”
— John Muir
History
The Countywide Plan, first adopted in 1973, was revised twice before the current update. The first
update was adopted in 1982 and the second in 1994.
The 1973 Plan established the three environmental corridors. The Plan also focused on balancing
environmental protection with the needs of present and future residents for housing, jobs, and
recreation, and on the need for transportation options to reduce dependence on automobile use.
Freeways and sprawling major development projects were proposed for pristine West Marin prior to
adoption of the first Countywide Plan.
The public process culminating in the adoption of the Plan began a tradition of cooperation and
coordination between the County and the 11 cities and towns. The public body that reviewed and
commented on the Plan included elected officials,
planning commissioners, and community members
representing all the cities and towns as well as the County.
This was a plan for the whole county, not just the
unincorporated area.
The 1982 Plan, which was reviewed by a committee
composed of elected officials from all 12 jurisdictions in
the county, identified urban service areas around cities as
suitable for annexation because urban levels of service
could be provided in these locations. Recognizing funding
limitations, the Plan included modest increases in
transportation service and encouraged less costly
transportation solutions, such as carpooling. The 1982 Plan also focused on energy conservation and
the use of renewable energy sources. In 1993, the Countywide Planning Agency was formed by a joint
powers agreement among all the cities/ towns and Marin County to address planning and development
issues of countywide concern, and to review and comment on the Countywide Plan as well as the
general plans of the cities and towns.
The 1994 Plan was a comprehensive update using the newly available technologies of geographic
information system ( GIS) and transportation modeling to identify development potential and
transportation capacity. Parcel- specific maps of land use designations were created. The 1994 Plan
included an Agriculture Element and a Parks and Recreation Element. An Economic Commission was
established to provide advice on economic issues and to write an Economic Element.
In 2007, the scope of the Countywide Plan has been revised to reflect the theme of planning sustainable
communities and to recognize the adoption of Marin County government’s first strategic plan in 2001,
which sought to achieve excellence in public service. This latest version has also been enlarged to
include such social equity and cultural issues as public health, environmental justice, child care, the
economy, and arts and culture. This update also benefited from widespread community input resulting
from a series of public outreach and working group meetings, as well as public access to the Countywide
Plan website, prior to drafting Plan revisions.
INTRODUCTION
1- 4 INTRODUCTION
Framework: Planning Sustainable Communities
Guiding Principles
To begin the current Countywide Plan update process, a working group of local residents was convened
to help prepare guiding principles. The efforts of this group resulted in the formation of the principles
listed below. To show the linkage between these princliples and the goals throughout the Countywide
Plan, a figure is included at the end of each section.
Planning Sustainable Communities is the overarching theme of the Marin Countywide Plan. Marin
County government is committed to lead by example, promote public participation, and work in
community partnerships to protect the natural systems that support life and improve our quality of life.
To design a sustainable future, we** will strive to accomplish the following:
1. Link equity, economy, and the environment locally, regionally, and globally.
We will improve the vitality of our community, economy, and environment. We will seek
innovations that provide multiple benefits.
2. Minimize the use of finite resources, and use all resources efficiently and effectively.
We will reduce overall and individual consumption, and reuse and recycle resources. We will
reduce waste by optimizing the full life cycle of products and processes.
3. Reduce the use and minimize the release of hazardous materials.
We will continue to make progress toward eliminating the release of substances that cause damage
to natural systems. We will use a precautionary approach to prevent environmentally caused
diseases.
4. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming.
We will join other communities addressing climate change by lowering our greenhouse gas
emissions. We will increase the use of renewable resources which do not have a negative impact on
the earth’s climate.
5. Preserve our natural assets.
We will continue to protect and restore open space, wilderness, and damaged ecosystems, and
enhance habitats for biodiversity.
*“ We” refers to the larger Marin community, including County government, other governmental bodies, local residents,
businesses, employees, and visitors.
INTRODUCTION
MARIN COUNTYWIDE PLAN Introduction 1- 5
“ Never doubt
that a small group of
thoughtful, committed
citizens can change the
world. Indeed, it is the
only thing that ever has.”
— Margaret Mead
6. Protect our agricultural assets.
We will protect agricultural lands and work to maintain our agricultural heritage. We will support
the production and marketing of healthy, fresh, locally grown food.
7. Provide efficient and effective transportation.
We will expand our public transportation system to better connect jobs, housing, schools,
shopping, and recreational facilities. We will provide affordable and convenient transportation
alternatives that reduce our dependence on single occupancy vehicles, conserve resources, improve
air quality, and reduce traffic congestion.
8. Supply housing affordable to the full range of our
members of the workforce and diverse community.
We will provide and maintain well- designed, energy
efficient, diverse housing close to job centers, shopping,
and transportation links. We will pursue innovative
opportunities to finance senior, workforce, and special
needs housing, promote infill development, and reuse
and redevelop underused sites.
9. Foster businesses that create economic, environmental,
and social benefits.
We will support locally owned businesses and retain,
expand, and attract a diversity of businesses that meet the needs of our residents and strengthen our
economic base. We will partner with local employers to address transportation and housing needs.
10. Educate and prepare our workforce and residents.
We will make high- quality education, workforce preparation, and lifelong learning opportunities
available to all sectors of our community. We will help all children succeed in schools, participate
in civic affairs, acquire and retain meaningful employment, and achieve economic independence.
11. Cultivate ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic diversity.
We will honor our past, celebrate our cultural diversity, and respect human dignity. We will build
vibrant communities, and foster programs to maintain, share, and appreciate our cultural
differences and similarities.
12. Support public health, safety, and social justice.
We will live in healthy, safe communities and provide equal access to amenities and services. We
will particularly protect and nurture our children, our elders, and the more vulnerable members of
our community.
INTRODUCTION
1- 6 INTRODUCTION
What Is Sustainability?
For the purpose of the Countywide Plan, sustainability is defined as aligning our built environment and
socioeconomic activities with the natural systems that support life. In the long run, sustainability means
adapting human activities to the constraints and opportunities of nature. Central to this definition is
meeting the needs of both the present and the future.
The symbol below is a graphic representation of a sustainable community. Each ring represents one of
the Three E’s: the environment, the economy, and social equity. Each of these rings is connected to,
and dependent upon, the others.
During the late 1970s and early 1980s, a number of independent scientists, activists, and other policy
makers worldwide began working on responses to problems where issues of the environment were
linked with human development. They began to use the term sustainability to describe the goal of
joining economic prosperity with ecological health.
In 1987, the United Nations’ World Commission on Environment and Development released a report,
Our Common Future, which brought the term sustainability into widespread use. In defining
sustainability, the United Nations’ World Commission offered these five key concepts:
INTRODUCTION
MARIN COUNTYWIDE PLAN Introduction 1- 7
“ We did not inherit the
land from our fathers.
We are borrowing it
from our children.”
— Amish proverb
􀂋 The needs of the future must not be sacrificed to the demands of the present.
􀂋 Humanity’s economic future is linked to the integrity of natural systems.
􀂋 The present world system is not sustainable because it is not meeting the needs of many,
especially the poor.
􀂋 Protecting the environment is impossible unless we improve the economic prospects of the
earth’s poorest peoples.
􀂋 We must act to preserve as many options as possible for future generations, since they have the
right to determine their own needs for themselves.
The American Planning Association identified the
following four objectives in planning for sustainability:
1. Reduce dependence upon fossil fuels, extracted
underground metals, and minerals.
2. Reduce dependence on chemicals and other
manufactured substances that can accumulate in
nature.
3. Reduce dependence on activities that harm life-sustaining
ecosystems.
4. Meet the hierarchy of present and future human
needs fairly and efficiently.
Why Plan Sustainable Communities?
Current trends have demonstrated the need for planning healthy, safe, and sustainable communities.
One trend is the increasing impact of greenhouse gases on the world’s climate. Another trend is the
decreasing supply of resources that support life.
The Role of Science
Achieving and maintaining sustainability requires keeping up with science. At times, land use and other
public policy decisions operate within an institutional framework that does not reflect current scientific
information. This is understandable, as cutting edge science is always on the move. For example, the
multiple causes and effects of climate change, described below, are now well established, and current
land use decision making needs to reflect the link between fossil fuel consumption and sea level rise.
Keeping up with science is an underlying principle of this Plan. Toward that end, employing evidence-based
strategies combined with up- to- date scientific knowledge will provide sound guidelines for taking
care of the land, our communities, and the generations that will follow us.
Climate Change
Much of our built environment is now powered by fossil fuels. Fossil fuel use creates the greenhouse
gases that contribute to global warming. Increasing consequences of global warming raise concerns
about the need to reduce the use of fossil fuels. On average, climate models suggest about a
three- degree rise in global temperature over the next 50 to 100 years.
INTRODUCTION
1- 8 INTRODUCTION
Figure 1- 1 Global Oil Production 1930– 2050:
Maximum-, Minimum-, and Mean- Case Scenarios
0.0
5.0
10.0
15.0
20.0
25.0
30.0
1930
1935
1940
1945
1950
1955
1960
1965
1970
1975
1980
1985
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
2025
2030
2035
2040
2045
2050
Annual oil production ( billions of barrels)
Maximum- Case Scenario
Mean- Case Scenario
Minimum- Case Scenario
Source: 2004 C. J. Campbell; Marin County CDA.
As Figure 1- 1 depicts, oil production is projected to begin a rapid decline sometime before 2020. This,
combined with the negative impact of fossil fuel use on the climate, prompts the need to shift away from
the use of fossil fuel.
The impact of global warming is compounded by a decreasing resource base. Water, forests, and
productive farmland are diminishing. Social inequities mount along with competition for natural
resources. Equitably providing the means for prosperity, while also improving environmental quality, is
a core challenge.
Figure 1- 2 illustrates the distribution of greenhouse gas emissions countywide by sector. This
information is useful for developing policies and programs to reduce Marin’s contribution to
greenhouse gases.
INTRODUCTION
MARIN COUNTYWIDE PLAN Introduction 1- 9
“ In today’s world . . . we
need to be sensitive to the
concerns of others. . . . No
one can afford to think in
purely local terms.”
— Kofi Annan
Figure 1- 2 Countywide Greenhouse Gas Emissions, 2005
Transportation,
1,983,000
62%
Residential,
596,000
19%
Agricultural,
97,000
3%
Waste,
56,965
2%
Industrial,
65,000
2%
Commercial,
390,000
12%
Source: 2007 Marin County CDA.
Resource Use
Research about ecological sustainability increasingly
indicates that the worldwide use of resources is exceeding
the earth’s capacity to renew them. This is driven largely
by energy and materials consumption in the United States
and other industrialized nations, and, more recently, by
increased levels in developing nations. The Living Planet
Report, issued in 2004 by the World Wildlife Fund,
describes how in the past 30 years human demand on
natural resources has increased 160 percent while the
health of natural systems ( as measured by loss of wild
species populations) has declined 40 percent.
INTRODUCTION
1- 10 INTRODUCTION
“ Plans are the dreams of
the wise.”
— German proverb
To learn more about the
ecological footprint, go to
www. footprintnetwork. org/
or www. redefiningprogress. org.
Figure 1- 3 Humanity’s Ecological Footprint
Source: 2004 World Wide Fund for Nature.
The ecological footprint measures the use of natural
resources against the planet’s actual biocapacity and its
ability to supply these resources. It can be calculated for
individuals, regions, countries, or the entire earth and is
expressed as the number of global acres ( acres with world
average biological productivity) that it takes to support
one person. Given the current global population, about
4.5 global acres are available to support each individual
on earth. When humanity’s footprint exceeds the amount
of biocapacity, an overuse of natural capital occurs. Figure
1- 3 shows that since the mid- 1980s, humanity’s demand
for ecological resources has exceeded the earth’s supply
each year.
For example, as Figure 1- 4 illustrates, the average
American uses 24 global acres per capita, while the
average Marin resident requires 27 global acres. Other
western democracies, such as France, Germany, and Italy,
have footprints of 13, 12, and 9.5 global acres per person,
respectively.
Ecological limit
INTRODUCTION
MARIN COUNTYWIDE PLAN Introduction 1- 11
Figure 1- 4 Ecological Footprint Comparison
Sources: Redefining Progress, Sustainable Sonoma County, World Wide Fund for Nature.
Figure 1- 5 shows the breakdown of Marin County’s footprint by the type of area used. The largest
component is “ energy land,” the area of unharvested forest required to absorb the carbon dioxide that
is produced when burning fossil fuels.
Figure 1- 5 Ecological Footprint of Marin County, 2004
Source: 2004 Redefining Progress.
* Forest here refers to the area of forest harvested for timber and fuel wood purposes.
27
24
13 12
9.5
5.5
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
Marin
County
United
States
France Germany Italy World
Average
Global acres per person
Built area
Fishing 3%
grounds
3%
Forest*
12%
Pasture
2%
Energy land
62%
Cropland
18%
INTRODUCTION
1- 12 INTRODUCTION
Figure 1- 6 shows the amount of land required by Marin’s footprint. The inner circle in this figure shows
the amount of land that would be required if Marin residents had the same footprint as residents of
Italy. Figure 1- 7 shows the number of earths that would be required if everyone in the world had the
footprint of a selected Bay Area county.
Figure 1- 6 Footprint Land Requirements
INTRODUCTION
MARIN COUNTYWIDE PLAN Introduction 1- 13
“ We cannot direct the
wind, but we can
adjust the sails.”
— Anonymous
Figure 1- 7 Number of Earths Required If
the World Population Footprint Equaled a Bay Area County
Planning sustainable communities is of global importance, as distant decisions can affect the health of
natural systems and consequently human well- being even in faraway places. Furthermore, the carrying
capacity of an ecosystem, city, or bioregion is also affected by land use planning and human resource
consumption.
How Can We Plan Sustainable Communities?
Marin County is a major contributor to the Bay Area’s regional open space and agricultural greenbelt,
and the Countywide Plan establishes land use policies intended to provide a balanced mix of jobs and
housing. A strategic infill approach that supports affordable housing for members of the workforce at
selected mixed- use locations near existing jobs and transit,
along with an emphasis on green building and business
practices, offers Marin communities a way to carry out the
Three E’s of sustainability ( environment, economy, and
social equity).
During the development of this Plan, a conceptual
framework designed by the economist Herman Daly was
considered that integrates natural systems, social systems,
and human aspirations, illustrated as a pyramid. As
modified below to more closely correlate to the
organization of the Countywide Plan, the pyramid has a
foundation consisting of natural systems, such as water,
air, soil, and natural habitats that support life. The
illustration depicts the mutually supportive relationship of natural and built environments that, along
with economic and social capital, provide the means to achieve individual and community well- being.
Global Image courtesy of www. graphicmaps. com
INTRODUCTION
1- 14 INTRODUCTION
Framework for Sustainability
Daly’s conceptual framework has three principles:
1. Renewable resources ( such as groundwater, soil, and fish) should not be used faster than they
regenerate.
2. Nonrenewable resources ( such as minerals and fossil fuels) should not be used faster than
renewable substitutes for them can be put into place.
3. Pollution and waste should not be emitted faster than natural systems can absorb, recycle, or
render them harmless.
To accomplish these, it will be necessary to make significant changes in the way communities process
and consume resources, a shift sometimes referred to as an “ ecological U- turn.” Toward this end, it is
intended that the nonbinding targets listed in Plan implementation sections will be periodically
monitored and reevaluated during future Countywide Plan updates throughout the 21st century.
The precautionary principle, another conceptual framework considered during the preparation of the
Plan, carries the sense of foresight and preparation, and is the common- sense idea behind many adages:
“ Be careful.” “ Better safe than sorry.” “ Look before you leap.” “ First, do no harm.” Historically, many
environmentally harmful activities were stopped only after they resulted in environmental degradation
or serious harm to many people. The precautionary principle is an approach characterized by
minimizing or eliminating potential hazards at the onset of an activity instead of the approach that
determines an “ acceptable level of harm.” In addition, the precautionary principle utilizes full cost
accounting to assess the potential costs and benefits of a given activity or product.
INTRODUCTION
MARIN COUNTYWIDE PLAN Introduction 1- 15
“ The world will not evolve
past its current state of
crisis by using the same
thinking that created
the situation.”
— Albert Einstein
The California Office of Planning and Research has also published General Plan Guidelines that
include information regarding sustainable development. The Countywide Plan has been prepared
consistent with these guidelines.
Countywide Goals
Countywide goals reflect core community values and identify what fundamental outcomes are desired.
Although these overarching goals are not quantifiable or time dependent, implementation of the
policies and programs of the Countywide Plan is intended to assist the larger Marin community in
achieving the following:
􀂋 A Preserved and Restored Natural Environment.
Marin watersheds, natural habitats, wildlife
corridors, and open space will be protected,
restored, and enhanced.
􀂋 A Sustainable Agricultural Community. Marin’s
working agricultural landscapes will be protected,
and the agricultural community will remain viable
and successfully produce and market a variety of
healthy foods and products.
􀂋 A High- Quality Built Environment. Marin’s
community character, the architectural heritage of
its downtowns and residential neighborhoods,
and the vibrancy of its business and commercial
centers will be preserved and enhanced.
􀂋 More- Affordable Housing. Marin’s members of the workforce, the elderly, and special needs
groups will have increased opportunities to live in well- designed, socially and economically
diverse affordable housing strategically located in mixed- use sites near employment or public
transportation.
􀂋 Less Traffic Congestion. Marin community members will have access to flexible work
schedules, carpools, and additional transportation choices for pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit
users that reduce traffic congestion.
􀂋 A Vibrant Economy. Marin’s targeted businesses will be clean, be prosperous, meet local
residents’ and regional needs, and provide equal access to meaningful employment, fair
compensation, and a safe, decent workplace.
􀂋 A Reduced Ecological Footprint. Marin residents and businesses will increasingly use
renewable energy, fuel efficient transportation choices, and green building and business
practices similar to the level of Western Europe.
􀂋 Collaboration and Partnerships. Marin public agencies, private organizations, and regional
partners will reach across jurisdictional boundaries to collaboratively plan for and meet
community needs.
􀂋 A Healthy and Safe Lifestyle. Marin residents will have access to a proper diet, health care, and
opportunities to exercise, and the community will maintain very low tobacco, alcohol, drug
abuse, and crime rates.
INTRODUCTION
1- 16 INTRODUCTION
“ A hundred years after we
are gone and forgotten,
those who never heard of
us will be living with the
results of our actions.”
— Oliver Wendell Holmes
􀂋 A Creative, Diverse, and Just Community. Marin will celebrate artistic expression, educational
achievement, and cultural diversity, and will nurture and support services to assist the more
vulnerable members of the community.
􀂋 A Community Safe from Climate Change. Marin will be a leader in averting and adapting to all
aspects of climate change.
User Guide
How Is the Countywide Plan Organized?
While the basic components of a general plan are established by the requirements of California State
planning law, the organization of the document is left to local discretion. The law states that each city
and county must adopt a general plan that includes the
following seven sections or elements: conservation, open
space, safety, land use, housing, circulation, and noise. A city
or county may also adopt optional elements. State law
establishes that each element is of equal importance and that
the elements must be consistent with one another.
This edition reorganizes the Countywide Plan into three
sections. Most legally required general plan topics have been
incorporated into the Natural Systems and Agriculture and
Built Environment elements of this Plan, while most optional
subjects have been concentrated in the Socioeconomic
Element.
The Natural Systems and Agriculture Element focuses on nature and life support systems, including
􀂋 biological resources, including special- status species, sensitive natural communities, wetlands,
riparian habitat, and the Baylands Corridor ( addresses contents for the Conservation Element)
􀂋 water resources, including watersheds, hydrology, flooding, and water conservation ( addresses
contents for Conservation, Safety, and Land Use elements)
􀂋 environmental hazards from seismic activity, landslides, and fires ( addresses contents for Safety
Element)
􀂋 open space ( addresses contents for Open Space Element)
􀂋 trails ( addresses contents for Open Space Element)
􀂋 agriculture and food ( addresses contents for Open Space and Conservation elements)
The Built Environment Element principally addresses villages, towns, and construction- related
activities, including
􀂋 community development ( addresses contents for Land Use Element)
􀂋 community design
􀂋 energy and green building
INTRODUCTION
MARIN COUNTYWIDE PLAN Introduction 1- 17
􀂋 mineral resources ( addresses contents for Conservation Element)
􀂋 housing ( implements portions of the County’s Housing Element)
􀂋 transportation ( addresses contents for Circulation Element)
􀂋 noise ( addresses contents for Noise Element)
􀂋 public facilities and services ( addresses contents for Circulation Element)
􀂋 planning areas ( addresses contents for Land Use Element)
The Socioeconomic Element focuses on people and what they do for each other, including
􀂋 the economy
􀂋 child care
􀂋 public safety ( addresses contents for Safety Element)
􀂋 community participation
􀂋 diversity
􀂋 education
􀂋 environmental justice
􀂋 public health
􀂋 arts and culture
􀂋 historical and archaeological resources
􀂋 parks and recreation ( addresses contents for Open Space Element)
Basic Building Blocks of the Plan
The Plan includes background information and key trends, as well as goals, policies, programs, and
diagrams and maps. These components represent the development policies, diagrams and maps,
objectives, principles, standards, and plan proposals called for in California’s planning law.
Goal: An expression of community values and desired outcomes
— a sought- after end state that is not quantifiable or time
dependent. A graphic displays which of the Three E’s
( environment, economy, and social equity) are benefited by the
goal as indicated within the overlapping circles.
Policy: A statement derived from a goal that represents the
jurisdiction’s adopted position and guides action by
decision- making bodies.
Program: A specific implementation measure to carry out goals
and policies of the Countywide Plan.
Diagram: A graphic representation of the Plan’s policies. While the Plan’s land use diagrams and maps
are not as specific as zoning maps, they do provide guidance about the appropriate uses of each parcel
of land within the County’s jurisdiction.
Each Element of the Plan is organized to answer the following questions:
Why is this important?
Goals are evaluated for their
environmental, economic, and
social equity benefits.
INTRODUCTION
1- 18 INTRODUCTION
􀂋 What are the desired outcomes? These discussions lay out the Plan’s goals and policies.
􀂋 Why is it important? These discussions focus on how specific goals and policies in the Plan
promote the Three E’s of sustainability — environment, economy, and social equity.
􀂋 How will results be achieved? These discussions describe the Plan’s programs ( specific
implementation measures).
􀂋 How will success be measured? The Plan includes indicators, benchmarks, and targets to
help measure and evaluate progress in achieving goals and promoting related policies
( indicators, benchmarks, and targets are discussed in more detail later in this section of
the Plan).
Sidebars: Sidebars have been included throughout the Plan to highlight related
information. In some cases, the sidebars contain information about
ecological footprint impacts, as indicated with a footprint symbol:
Technical- Background Reports and Other Supporting Documents
Preparation of the Countywide Plan involved developing a series of technical- background reports.
These included the following:
􀂋 2005 Congestion Management Program
􀂋 Agriculture
􀂋 Air Quality
􀂋 Archaeology
􀂋 Biology
􀂋 Community Facilities
􀂋 Energy
􀂋 Flooding
􀂋 Geology
􀂋 Hydrology and Water Quality
􀂋 Noise
􀂋 Marin County Targeted Industries Study Final Report and Supplement
􀂋 Parks and Recreation
􀂋 Trails
􀂋 Transportation
􀂋 Watershed Management Plan
While these reports provided a basis for drafting the Countywide Plan, they are not part of
the Plan.
Similarly, the Plan at times refers to various other documents produced and/ or adopted by Marin
County. These documents are also not a part of the Plan.
INTRODUCTION
MARIN COUNTYWIDE PLAN Introduction 1- 19
How to Read the Countywide Plan
The following principles govern how the Marin Countywide Plan should be read, interpreted, and
implemented.
Relationships between the Plan’s various goals and policies. In California, the general plan is often
characterized as being a community’s “ constitution” for development and conservation. A general plan
is called upon to address a range of diverse, sometimes divergent, public interests. A city or county
enjoys broad discretion to weigh and balance competing interests in formulating general- plan policies.
All general plans, including this one, must address a host of concerns within a consistent, well- integrated
policy framework. In implementing the Plan, it is the task of the Board of Supervisors ( or its delegates)
to make policy determinations in a manner that promotes the overall goals of the Plan and the public
welfare, in accordance with existing resources, staffing, and priorities. Policy and program
implementation will require reasonable and thoughtful consideration of other Plan policies. Such
implementation decisions will come up on a case- by- case basis as the Board, Planning Commission,
County staff, and others work to effectively implement the entire Plan.
Another overall principle to guide the reading, interpretation, and implementation of the Plan is that
none of its provisions will be interpreted by the County in a manner that violates state or federal law.
For example, Policy CD- 5.2 (“ Assign financial responsibility for growth”) requires new development to
pay for its fair share of the cost of public facilities. This policy will be implemented subject to applicable
legal standards. In reading every provision of the Plan, one should infer that it is limited by the
principle, “ to the extent legally permitted.”
Effect of headings and titles. The Plan’s policies and programs are typically accompanied by a heading
or title. These are provided for convenience only. To the degree that these headings or titles conflict
with the text they accompany, the text shall govern.
Plan Implementation
As described above, the Countywide Plan includes specific implementation measures or programs. The
following principles guide Plan implementation.
􀂋 Implementation can take time, especially when needed resources are limited and required
for more than one program.
􀂋 Because implementation can take time, the Board of Supervisors and those to whom the
Board delegates, may need to prioritize programs. The Plan contemplates this ongoing
process as part of Marin County’s policy- making function.
􀂋 While the Plan identifies specific programs, implementation measures may be adjusted
over time based on new information, changing circumstances, and evaluation of their
effectiveness, so long as they remain consistent with the intent of the Plan.
INTRODUCTION
1- 20 INTRODUCTION
Indicators, Benchmarks, and Targets
A frequent criticism of general plans and their implementation is that there is insufficient feedback to
know whether progress is being made in meeting the plan’s goals and promoting its policies. The
Countywide Plan takes several important, innovative steps in addressing this concern by incorporating
indicators, benchmarks, and targets. These are nonbinding informational tools to monitor progress.
This process will provide an opportunity to consider the need for new or revised Countywide Plan
strategies or implementation measures. In addition to Countywide Plan monitoring, these metrics are
intended to go beyond the scope of the Plan and track progress in Marin in a variety of areas.
Measuring progress is important to determining the effectiveness of any plan. An indicator is a
measurement that assists in demonstrating movement toward or away from Plan goals and policies.
Proposed indicators have been crafted to be understandable, representative, and relevant. Benchmarks
establish a “ starting point” — the state of an indicator as of a particular point in time ( for example, the
year 2000). A target is a quantifiable outcome that provides a framework for measuring progress.
Figure 1- 8 Marin Agricultural Land Trust Easements
0
10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015
Acres ( actual)
Acres ( target)
Source: 2003 Marin Agricultural Land Trust.
It is important to note that by adopting indicators, benchmarks, and targets, which are not required to
be included in a general plan, Marin County does not intend to establish additional general plan goals
and policies. Rather, the intent is to establish a feedback loop that will help to monitor progress in
meeting the various goals and policies of the Countywide Plan and will need to be periodically reviewed
and updated. Because the indicators, benchmarks, and targets are intended only as an aid in
implementation of the General Plan and are not policies or programs of the General Plan, they are
included in the plan only for convenience and updates will not be considered amendments to the
General Plan. Furthermore, progress towards reaching these targets is not the sole responsibility of
Marin County government and will, in many circumstances, require federal or State participation as well
INTRODUCTION
MARIN COUNTYWIDE PLAN Introduction 1- 21
as a countywide collaboration among local governments, residents, businesses and other affected
parties.
The following are examples of indicators, benchmarks, and targets:
Indicator Benchmark Target
Acres preserved with
agricultural easements.
28,377 acres preserved in 2000. Increase by:
25,000 acres by 2010
12,500 additional acres by 2015.
Implementation Charts
The Countywide Plan contains implementation charts that identify responsibilities, potential funding,
priorities, and estimated time frames for carrying out proposed programs.
In some cases, implementation of the Plan will occur through revisions to other land use plans and
regulations. For example, the Countywide Plan will be implemented through revisions to the County’s
Development Code including, but not limited to, consideration of the following:
􀂋 modified stream conservation zoning standards for developed properties
􀂋 a uniform agricultural zoning district that resembles the current C- APZ district
􀂋 the definition of agriculture
􀂋 home- size limitations on agricultural and other lands
􀂋 increased energy efficiency standards
􀂋 community- based design and parking standards
􀂋 enhanced linkages between jobs, housing, and transportation
Land Use Categories
The Countywide Plan establishes and maps land uses according to the following categories:
Agriculture
Agriculture and Conservation Land Use Categories
Agriculture and Conservation land use categories ( AGC 1- 3) are established for land with resource
values for both agricultural production and wetlands and wildlife habitat. These lands may also have
physical constraints, such as heavily wooded hillsides that limit their potential for agricultural
production, and deserve protection on the basis of their habitat and visual resource values.
Historically, 60 acres has been the minimum parcel size for most agricultural and resource
conservation lands in the county.
Agricultural Land Use Categories
Agricultural land use categories ( AG 1- 3) are established to preserve and protect a variety of
agricultural uses, and to enable the potential for agricultural production and diversification.
Historically, 60 acres has been the minimum parcel size for most agricultural lands in the county.
INTRODUCTION
1- 22 INTRODUCTION
Residential
Residential development categories are established at a full range of densities, with an emphasis on
providing more affordable housing.
Very Low Density Residential
Very low density residential land use categories ( Single- Family 1- 2 with minimum lot sizes of 5
to 60 acres) are designated for single- family residential development on large properties in rural
areas where public services are very limited or nonexistent, and on properties where physical
hazards and/ or natural resources significantly restrict development.
Rural/ Residential
Rural/ residential density land use categories ( Single- Family 3- 4 and Planned Residential with
minimum lot sizes of 20,000 square feet to 10 acres) are established for single- family residential
development in areas where public services are limited and on properties where physical
hazards and/ or natural resources may restrict development.
Low Density Residential
Low density residential land use categories ( Single- Family 5- 6 and Multi- Family 2 with
minimum lot sizes of 10,000– 20,000 square feet or less) are established for single- family and
multi- family residential development in areas where some public urban services are available
and where properties are not typically constrained.
Low to Medium Density Residential
Low to medium density residential land use categories ( Multi- Family 3 and 3.5 allowing 5 to 16
units per acre) are established where moderate density and multi- family residential
development can be accommodated in areas that are accessible to a range of urban services
near major streets, public transit, and neighborhood shopping facilities.
Medium to High Density Residential
Medium to high density residential land use categories ( Multi- Family 4 and 4.5 allowing 11 to
45 units per acre) are established within the City- Centered Corridor in communities where
multi- family development can be accommodated with easy access to a full range of urban
services at locations near major arterials, public transit, and community and regional shopping
facilities.
Commercial and Mixed Use
The following land use categories are established for general, office, neighborhood and recreational
commercial, and industrial uses. Mixed- use developments that incorporate residential units on
commercial properties are encouraged to provide on- site housing for employees and other
residents, and to contribute to fair share housing needs. Accordingly, residential uses may be
permitted in all of the following commercial land use categories:
INTRODUCTION
MARIN COUNTYWIDE PLAN Introduction 1- 23
General Commercial/ Mixed Use
The General Commercial land use category is established to allow for a wide variety of
commercial uses, including retail and service businesses, professional offices, and restaurants,
as well as moderate to high density mixed- use residential development.
Office Commercial/ Mixed Use
The Office Commercial land use category is established to encourage a mixture of
professional, administrative, and medical office uses, as well as medium to high density mixed-use
residential development, where appropriate. Employee- and resident- serving retail and
service businesses may also be permitted within this category.
Neighborhood Commercial/ Mixed Use
The Neighborhood Commercial land use category is established to encourage smaller- scale
retail and neighborhood- serving office and service uses, and mixed- use development oriented
toward pedestrians and located in close proximity to residential neighborhoods.
Recreational Commercial
The Recreational Commercial land use category is established for resorts, lodging facilities,
restaurants, and privately owned recreational facilities, such as golf courses and recreational
boat marinas. Housing for employees or very low and low income households may also be
permitted.
Industrial
The Industrial land use category is established for industrial uses such as warehouses, storage,
laboratories, retail sales, mine processing, light manufacturing, and administrative offices. Housing
for employees or very low and low income households may also be permitted.
Planned Designation
The Planned Designation land use category is established and includes the following subcategories:
Planned Designation — Agricultural and Environmental Resource Area ( PD– Agricultural and
Environmental Resource Area), and Planned Designation — Reclamation Area ( PD– Reclamation
Area). This land use category enables the planning of reuse projects at major opportunity sites. In
order to provide a forum for comprehensive community- based planning, projects in this land use
category are subject to approval of a specific or master plan and consistency with the Countywide
Plan, including policies promoting affordable housing, and innovative, environmentally friendly,
transit- oriented and energy efficient designs.
Public, Quasi- Public, and Open Space
The Public, Quasi- Public, and Open Space land use categories are established for both public and
quasi- public institutional purposes, including open space, schools, hospitals, cemeteries,
government facilities, correctional facilities, power distribution facilities, sanitary landfills, and water
facilities. The Public category is established for land owned by a governmental agency and used as a
INTRODUCTION
1- 24 INTRODUCTION
public institution. The Quasi- Public category is established for land owned by a non- governmental
agency that is used as an institution serving the public. Lands in public ownership for open space
purposes, such as recreation, and watershed and habitat protection and management, are
designated open space. In addition, private lands may be designated open space when subject to
deed restrictions or other agreements limiting them to open space and compatible uses. Lands
designated as public or quasi- public facilities may be combined with another land use.
arin County is
known for its
distinctive natural
setting and environmental and
agricultural heritage. Surrounded
on three sides by water, Marin
encompasses abundant
environmental resources beautiful
and rich in diversity, as well as
working agricultural landscapes.
From the quality of the air we
breathe, the water we drink, and
the food we eat, to the outdoors
where we relax and rejuvenate, we
depend on nature to provide for
us. A responsibility to understand
and protect the environment
and agriculture is a fundamental
component of this Element of the
Countywide Plan. Reinforcing the
critical role of watershed planning
is an overarching concern.
NATURAL SYSTEMS & AGRICULTURE ELEMENT
M
MARIN COUNTYWIDE PLAN 2.1 Introduction 2- 1
© Richard Blair
Watershed functions, water quality, riparian habitat, wetlands, and baylands are all addressed in the
Natural Systems and Agriculture Element. The topics addressed in this Element are interrelated, as
are all the components of natural systems. Issues that threaten Marin County’s biodiversity– such as
water quality degradation, invasive flora, non- native animal species, habitat fragmentation, and loss
of sensitive biological resources as a result of land conversion and development– are also threats to
agriculture and food production. How we treat streams, marshes, and wetlands not only affects the
plants and animals that depend on these aquatic habitats, but also creates flood- related and other
impacts in low- lying areas.
Below are the topics covered in this portion of the Countywide Plan:
Biological Resources
Water Resources
Environmental Hazards
Atmosphere and Climate
Open Space
Trails
Agriculture and Food
Topics related to naturally occurring environmental hazards are located in this Element, while
hazardous materials issues are discussed under Public Safety in the Socioeconomic Element. Issues
pertaining to environmental justice, public health, historic and archaeological resources, and parks and
recreation are addressed in the Socioeconomic Element.
◆
◆
◆
◆
◆
◆
◆
NATURAL SYSTEMS & 2- 2 AGRICULTURE ELEMENT
MARIN COUNTYWIDE PLAN
Introduction
NATURAL SYSTEMS
& AGRICULTURE
NATURAL SYSTEMS & AGRICULTURE ELEMENT
2.2 Key Trends and Issues
Biological Resources
Preservation of large parts of Marin County has served to
protect important biological resources and the biodiversity
of the region. Nevertheless, future development may
threaten sensitive resources in Marin and contribute to
further fragmentation of natural areas. In 2001, Marin
ranked 17th among the 58 California counties in the
number of special- status species documented here,
indicating both an opportunity for preservation and a continued threat to sensitive resources. In fact,
Lagunitas Creek supports the most important remnant population of federally endangered wild coho
salmon from California’s central coast. Despite positive efforts to protect and restore habitat, native
biodiversity is still at risk. Factors contributing to these risks, such as the continued loss of habitat,
fragmentation of natural areas, inadequate management of open space lands, potential for catastrophic
wildfires, and invasion by exotic species, all pose significant threats to native plants and animals. Other
risks and concerns include obstruction of wildlife movement corridors, filling of wetlands, and loss of
oak woodlands to disease.
“ Trend is not destiny.”
— Rene Dubois
Water Resources
Providing adequate water for human use while supporting habitat for fish, other aquatic species, and
terrestrial wildlife is very important and an increasingly difficult challenge. Water demand among Marin
residents has risen while fish populations have declined. Human impacts are adversely affecting water
quality. Urbanization increases the rate of storm runoff to local creeks. Excess runoff scours creeks and
causes habitat loss.
Environmental Hazards
Marin’s spectacular coastline, high ridges, and variety of landscapes have been influenced by natural
phenomena such as earthquakes, wildfires, and flooding. These same phenomena can also significantly
impact the built environment and human activity. The epicenter of the 1906 earthquake was near
Olema on the San Andreas Fault. Massive wildfires occurred on Mount Tamalpais in 1929 and Mount
Vision in 1995. Significant flooding has occurred throughout the county on various occasions during
periods of sustained, heavy rainfall and high tides. Infrequent but significant events, as well as a
multitude of more frequent smaller events throughout the county, are part of the natural process and
are expected. While these events can have beneficial effects on the natural environment, they can also
result in catastrophic and costly devastation when structures and human activities are in their path.
Atmosphere and Climate
Transportation and energy production are among the activities associated with the combustion of fossil
fuels that is increasing the amounts and concentrations of greenhouse gases ( carbon dioxide, methane,
nitrogen oxide) in the atmosphere that contribute to global warming. The U. S. Environmental
MARIN COUNTYWIDE PLAN Key Trends and Issues 2- 3
MARIN COUNTYWIDE PLAN
2- 4 Key Trends and Issues NATURAL SYSTEMS & AGRICULTURE ELEMENT
Protection Agency estimates that by 2100 carbon dioxide concentrations could be up to three times
higher than current levels. Much of the air pollution in Marin results from motor vehicle use, and many
private automobile trips cover short distances, which tends to concentrate emissions in certain areas.
Open Space
The County Open Space District manages and protects ridgelands, baylands, and other
environmentally sensitive lands. Open space lands also accommodate low- impact recreational uses.
Most of the district budget goes toward managing open space, leaving little for land acquisition. The
district relies increasingly on conservation or open space easements from private landowners to extend
its preservation efforts. Parks and recreation services and their facilities are discussed in the
Socioeconomic Element.
Trails
The Marin trail system is widely recognized as one of the best anywhere, and Marin has become a trail
recreation destination. Demand by hikers, road and mountain bicyclists, and equestrians is increasing,
as is commercial use, such as organized hiking, dog walking, and nature interpretation. Trail use also is
rising among sports enthusiasts. Increased activity on trails has led to conflicts among users and with
neighbors, especially regarding parking and private property issues. Parks and recreation services and
their facilities are discussed in the Socioeconomic Element.
Agriculture and Food
Nearly one- fourth of Marin’s agricultural land has been permanently protected from subdivision and
development, but working ranches are increasingly threatened by the prospect of conversion to
single- family residential estates. The majority of local agricultural operations are only marginally
profitable. Major issues facing local agriculture include the high cost of land, regulation by multiple
agencies, and difficulty recruiting younger generations to work in agriculture. Many local operations
have begun diversifying to increase their viability, producing row crops and value- added products such
as cheese, butter, organic foods, and grass- fed beef. Although agriculture is not technically considered a
“ natural system,” most ranchers and farmers in Marin conduct agricultural activities in a manner
compatible with the natural environment.
NATURAL SYSTEMS & AGRICULTURE ELEMENT
MARIN COUNTYWIDE PLAN Framework 2- 5
2.3 Framework
The Vision
The 21st century in Marin will include a restored natural environment that supports a rich array of
native plants and animals, and provides for human needs. Residents and visitors will enjoy clean air and
water. Native habitat and essential corridors for wildlife movement and plant dispersal will be protected.
Watershed function will improve with enhancements to water infiltration, preservation of stream- flow
capacity and riparian vegetation, and restoration of stream corridors, marshlands, and other natural
wetlands.
Local agricultural heritage will be celebrated. Local farmers and ranchers will provide an increase in
healthy food, much of which will be grown, processed, and consumed in the San Francisco Bay Area,
enhancing food security and agricultural viability while shrinking our ecological footprint and reducing
the costs associated with food transport. Expanded agricultural uses will provide needed products for
county and regional residents, while protecting important biological resources.
Topics in the Natural Systems and Agriculture Element include the following:
Biological Resources ( see Section 2.4): Marin is home to a wide variety of plants and animals, as well as
a number of unique natural communities and highly sensitive biological and wetland resources.
Protecting and restoring native habitat are the most effective methods of preserving plant and animal
diversity.
Water Resources ( see Section 2.5): Watersheds are dynamic systems that transport water, sediments,
and nutrients from ridgetops to watercourses, and perform many vital water quality and storage
functions along the way. Preserving and improving water and watershed quality depends on maintaining
equilibrium between inflow and consumption, and avoiding human alterations that can diminish natural
functions.
Environmental Hazards ( see Section 2.6): Environmental conditions can threaten habitat, wildlife, the
built environment, and human life. Since Marin is in a seismically active area, ground shaking from
earthquakes is a major potential hazard, as are wildland fires and flooding. Countywide Plan policies
and programs are proposed to minimize the impact of hazards related to these natural phenomena.
Atmosphere and Climate ( see Section 2.7): Marin’s relatively good air quality is compromised by high
concentrations of ozone caused by vehicle traffic, and localized high volumes of particulate matter
caused by construction activities, wood burning, off- road travel, and agricultural operations. Scientists
generally concur that the earth’s climate is changing through a buildup of gases that trap heat in the
atmosphere. With the uncertainty about location, rate, and magnitude of possible climate- changing
impacts, it is more important than ever to take steps to improve air quality and minimize greenhouse
gas emissions.
Open Space ( see Section 2.8): Public open space contributes significantly to the way people think and
feel about Marin. Open lands are managed primarily for resource preservation, and secondarily for
MARIN COUNTYWIDE PLAN
2- 6 Framework NATURAL SYSTEMS & AGRICULTURE ELEMENT
lower- impact recreational uses such as hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. Preserving
natural resources while providing access to open space lands poses an ongoing challenge.
Trails ( see Section 2.9): Marin County has approximately 639 miles of public trails. The countywide
trail system connects environmentally important areas ( such as bayland, coastal, and ridgeland areas),
parks and open space, and greenbelts between urban areas. Preserving existing trails, acquiring new
rights- of- way, minimizing environmental impacts, and balancing access and property rights remain key
issues in managing local trails.
Agriculture and Food ( see Section 2.10): The viability of Marin farms and ranches is threatened by a
combination of low profit margins and pressure to convert agricultural lands to single- family estates.
Access to locally and responsibly grown, healthy food requires successful protection of agricultural land,
support for local farmers and ranchers, and efforts to promote diversification of local products.
NATURAL SYSTEMS & AGRICULTURE ELEMENT
MARIN COUNTYWIDE PLAN Biological Resources 2- 7
Clapper rail.
2.4 Biological Resources
Background
Marin is home to a number of diverse and important natural communities, from
coastal marine environments to bay marshlands and mudflats, riparian habitats,
and an upland mosaic of forests, woodlands, grasslands, and chaparral ( see Map
2- 1, Vegetation). Detailed information and maps of these ecosystems, their
associated sensitive biological and wetland resources, and a summary of resource-protection
regulations can be found in the Biological and Wetland Protection
Technical Background Report ( see the Introduction, “ Technical Background
Reports and Other Supporting Documents”).
© Don Freundt
MARIN COUNTYWIDE PLAN
2- 8 Biological Resources NATURAL SYSTEMS & AGRICULTURE ELEMENT
Human activity has had major adverse effects on the
health and sustainability of these natural communities.
Since the mid- 19th century, grazing, logging, agriculture,
road building, and development have markedly altered
the natural landscape. This section of the Countywide
Plan contains policies intended to preserve native habitat
and protect sensitive resources through appropriate land
use practices, and restoration and enhancement efforts.
Sensitive resources include jurisdictional wetlands,
occurrences of special- status species, occurrences of
sensitive natural communities, wildlife nurseries and
nesting areas, and wildlife movement corridors. Specific
programs seek preservation of special- status species,
sensitive natural communities, important wildlife habitat
and movement corridors, wetlands, riparian habitats,
coastal dunes, and baylands. The Water Resources
Section of this Element contains related policies and
programs.
Resource Protection
Federal and State laws regulate wetlands, stream channels,
and plant and animal species vulnerable to change or
threatened with extinction. The jurisdiction, resource
management practices, and code enforcement activities of
the federal and State regulatory agencies vary depending
on the specific sensitive resource. Wetlands and
special- status plants and animals listed as “ endangered” or
“ threatened” receive the highest protection ( see Map 2- 2,
Special- Status Species and Sensitive Natural
Communities, shown for illustrative purposes only).
Other plant and animal species that are not listed are still
considered vulnerable enough to be recognized as special-status
species ( see Figure 5- 1, Special- Status Animal
Species Known or Suspected from Marin County) located
in the Appendix of this Plan. In addition, a number of
unique natural communities ( sensitive natural
communities) are recognized by the California
Department of Fish and Game because of their scarcity
and continued loss as a result of development.
The County development review process typically
requires a site assessment by qualified professionals to
confirm whether any sensitive resources could be
Special- status species are plants
and animals that are legally
protected under the State and/ or
federal Endangered Species Acts
or other regulations, as well as
other species that are considered
rare enough by the scientific
community and trustee agencies
to warrant special consideration,
particularly with regard to
protection of isolated populations,
nesting or denning locations,
communal roosts, and other
essential habitat. ( See Figure 5- 1,
Special- Status Animal Species
Known or Suspected from Marin
County, and Figure 5- 2, Special-
Status Plant Species Known or
Suspected from Marin County.)
Occurrences of special- status
species are known throughout
Marin ( see Map 2- 2). More than 90
special- status plant and animal
species in Marin are monitored by
the California Department of Fish
and Game, and at least another
35 species that meet special- status
criteria have been reported locally.
The Community Development
Agency maintains a current list of
special- status species in Marin.
NATURAL SYSTEMS & AGRICULTURE ELEMENT
MARIN COUNTYWIDE PLAN Biological Resources 2- 9
affected, and to identify measures necessary to protect
those resources and mitigate potential impacts. Detailed
surveys are necessary where there is a potential for
occurrence of sensitive resources. Consultation and
permit authorization from regulatory agencies may be
required where proposed development would affect
essential habitat for listed special- status species or
jurisdictional wetlands, although avoidance is the
preferred mitigation whenever feasible. Enactment of
local ordinances also serves to regulate potential loss of
sensitive resources and establishes standards for
protection and mitigation.
The continued loss of oak woodland, oak savannah, and
other native woodland habitat through their conversion to
primarily urban uses resulted in the adoption of the
County Native Tree Preservation and Protection
Ordinance in 1999. This regulates the removal of native
trees and is intended to use local regulations to protect
sensitive resources. This ordinance broadened the
protection of native tree species not previously addressed
by tree protection development standards and findings
being applied through the discretionary permit review
process. While this ordinance does serve to partially
illustrate the opportunity to regulate sensitive biological
resources on the local level, it should be amended and
additional guidelines should be adopted to address a
greater number of factors that contribute to woodland
preservation and its relationship to wildlife habitat.
Effectively implementing resource protection policies and
regulations is dependent in part upon the availability of
accurate mapping and an understanding of the value of
the remaining natural habitat. Expanding and improving
the County’s mapping of wetlands, streams, and
vegetation types will assist in identifying potential impacts
early in the development review process. Conveying this
information to the public will also allow property owners
and developers to be responsive to resource protection
policies and standards in the design of their projects.
Wetlands
Wetlands ( see Map 2- 3, Wetlands/ Streams) are
considered important natural resources because of their
Sensitive natural communities are
natural community types that are
considered particularly rare or
threatened by the California
Natural Diversity Data Base of the
California Department of Fish and
Game. Sensitive natural
community types in Marin include,
but are not limited to, coastal and
valley freshwater marsh, freshwater
seep and spring, riparian forest and
woodland, coastal brackish marsh,
coastal terrace prairie, central dune
scrub, coastal bluff scrub, northern
coastal salt marsh, northern
maritime chaparral, northern
vernal pool, serpentine bunchgrass,
valley needlegrass grasslands, old-growth
redwood and Douglas fir
forests, and deciduous woodlands
dominated by valley oaks or
Oregon white oak.
Wetlands are areas periodically or
permanently inundated by surface
or groundwater that support
vegetation adapted to life in
saturated soil, and are delineated
based on hydrology, soils, and
vegetation. Jurisdictional wetlands
and unvegetated other waters are
regulated by the U. S. Army Corps
of Engineers and the Regional
Water Quality Control Board.
Certain wetlands, streams, and
waters are also regulated by the
California Department of Fish and
Game under the Streambed
Alteration Agreement program.
MARIN COUNTYWIDE PLAN
2- 10 Biological Resources NATURAL SYSTEMS & AGRICULTURE ELEMENT
high inherent value to fish and wildlife, their role as
storage areas for storm and floodwaters, and their water
recharge, filtration, and purification functions. They
provide essential habitat for aquatic invertebrates,
amphibians, and fish; they are important for large
numbers of bird and mammal species; and freshwater
wetlands are an important source of drinking water for
terrestrial species.
Proposed modifications to wetlands are regulated through
a complex jurisdictional and permitting process of State
and federal agencies, depending on the type, location, and
functions and values of the existing wetlands. In general,
loss or modifications to wetlands must be avoided given
the difficulty and questionable success of re- creating
wetlands, and the length of time required to replace
habitat lost as a result of development. At a minimum,
project applicants must demonstrate compliance with
State and federal wetlands regulations. Additional County
requirements may apply where necessary to protect
sensitive habitat values and other functions.
Marin County places a high priority on protecting and
enhancing existing wetlands, and relies upon restoration
or replacement as secondary measures where complete
avoidance of wetlands cannot be accomplished.
Additional and more precise mitigation criteria should be
developed to establish a clear and consistent approach to
preserving wetlands. Policies for wetlands protection also
serve to prioritize land for restoration and open space
acquisition.
Riparian Habitat
Streams convey, filter, and store sediment and nutrients.
Their floodplains are important for recharge of
groundwater aquifers and flood prevention. They also
provide critical wildlife movement corridors between
important habitats for both aquatic and terrestrial species.
Ephemeral channels are important for maintaining
healthy watersheds. Perennial and intermittent streams
provide more permanent aquatic habitat and serve as fish
migration, spawning, and rearing habitat ( see Map 2- 4,
Watersheds with Streams and Observed Steelhead Trout
and Coho Salmon). Riparian vegetation is essential to
Wetlands are protected for their
high inherent value to fish and
wildlife, their role as storage areas
for storm and floodwaters, and their
water recharge, filtration, and
purification functions ( see Map 2- 3,
Wetlands/ Streams). They provide
essential habitat for aquatic
invertebrates, amphibians, and fish;
are important for large numbers of
bird and mammal species; and are
an important source of drinking
water for terrestrial species.
Characteristic wetland types in
Marin include coastal saltmarsh,
brackish marsh, freshwater marsh,
the lower channel slopes of streams
and riparian habitat, seasonal
wetlands, vernal pools, and
freshwater seeps and springs.
Riparian Habitat. Riparian habitats
are transitional zones between land
and fresh water that occur along
freshwater watercourses including
perennial and intermittent streams,
lakes, springs, and other bodies of
fresh water. Riparian habitat is
distinguished by characteristic
woody vegetation, a variety of
important ecological functions, and
generally high wildlife habitat values.
NATURAL SYSTEMS & AGRICULTURE ELEMENT
MARIN COUNTYWIDE PLAN Biological Resources 2- 11
Baylands, areas between historic
high and low tide elevations, form a
complex ecosystem of aquatic and
upland habitats. The baylands
ecosystem in Marin forms a varied
pattern of open water, tidal marshes
and mudflats, rocky shoreline,
seasonal wetlands, and adjacent
uplands.
proper functioning of stream systems and is a critical component of high- quality fish habitat. Woody
vegetation provides shade that keeps water temperatures within tolerable ranges for fish and other
aquatic organisms, stabilizes streambanks and floodplains, provides protective cover for wildlife, and
contributes debris to stream channels for fish habitat structure. Herbaceous vegetation helps stabilize
streambanks, and filters and traps sediments and pollutants.
The continued health and restoration of streams and riparian resources has become an increasingly
important policy objective with the designation of the coho salmon and steelhead trout as special- status
species by the State and federal governments. Stream Conservation Area policies were strengthened
with the adoption of zoning regulations that expand and refine the applicability of stream setback
requirements for development projects that have the potential for harming riparian vegetation and water
quality. Additional development review procedures and standards are established or recommended in
policies for stream conservation as an ongoing effort to create a well- balanced regulatory approach to
protecting these important resources. Policies for riparian protections also serve to prioritize land for
restoration and open space acquisition.
Baylands
Baylands ecosystems vital to the health of San Pablo, San
Francisco, and Tomales bays have undergone
tremendous change, as historical tidal areas were diked
for agricultural use, marshes filled and drained for
development, and channels dredged and straightened for
navigation. The baylands ecosystem consists of the
baylands themselves, together with a buffer on the
remaining undeveloped uplands and the open waters of
the deep bay and channels. The remaining agricultural
baylands, used primarily for dryland farming and livestock
grazing, support grassland cover and provide important
winter habitat for shorebirds and waterfowl attracted to
wet season ponding in fields.
The Baylands Corridor was established to protect
important baylands and large adjacent undeveloped
uplands along the San Pablo and San Francisco bays ( see
Maps 2- 5a and 2- 5b, Baylands Corridor). The Baylands
Corridor reinforces and refines the current Bayfront
Conservation Zone, protecting important tidelands and
adjacent undeveloped uplands within the City- Centered
Corridor ( see Introduction, Map 1- 2, Environmental
Corridors). The Baylands Corridor encompasses much of
the current Bayfront Conservation Zone along the entire
shoreline of San Francisco Bay and San Pablo Bay,
comprising most of the Tidelands Subzone, the Diked
Bay Marshland and Agricultural Subzone, and the
The 1999 Baylands Ecosystem
Habitat Goals at
www. abag. ca. gov/ bayarea/ sfep
contains information on the San
Francisco Estuary baylands
ecosystem and on key habitats, and
recommendations for Marin
County.
MARIN COUNTYWIDE PLAN
2- 12 Biological Resources NATURAL SYSTEMS & AGRICULTURE ELEMENT
Shoreline Subzone, as defined in the 1994 Countywide
Plan. Modifications have been made to boundaries of the
current Bayfront Conservation Zone, where appropriate
and to provide for more consistent mapping criteria.
Establishment of a Baylands Corridor along Tomales Bay
may be considered during the update of the Marin
County Local Coastal Program. Policies for the Baylands
Corridor also serve to prioritize land for restoration and
open space acquisition.
Key Trends and Issues
Are sensitive biological resources adequately
protected?
A number of sensitive natural communities and species
are becoming increasingly rare. These include, but are
not limited to, bay marshlands and associated protected
species such as the salt marsh harvest mouse, the
California clapper rail, and Point Reyes’s bird’s beak;
riparian corridors and associated protected species such
as steelhead trout, coho salmon, the California red- legged
frog, and California freshwater shrimp; and serpentine
grasslands and associated protected species such as the
Tiburon mariposa lily, the Tiburon Indian paintbrush,
and the Marin western flax.
Not all special- status species receive adequate protection.
The Department of Fish and Game Natural Diversity
Data Base does not closely monitor at least 35 species
reported locally that meet special- status criteria, and mapping is limited to known occurrences
and does not identify all areas in which special- status species are present. Regulatory standards
are generally not available to define appropriate development setbacks necessary to protect
sensitive resources, requiring site- specific protective measures.
Natural communities, habitats, and corridors essential to wildlife health and movement and
plant dispersal are vulnerable. Intensive development and inadequate buffers threaten streams,
shorelines, wetlands, and protected open space lands. Riparian corridors, marshlands, and
wetlands can be altered by filling, draining, removal of vegetative cover, and other
modifications, eliminating their habitat values and functions. Wetlands and other sensitive
resources can also be indirectly affected by development as a result of water quality
degradation, lighting, introduction and spread of invasive exotic species, and increased activity
of humans and pets.
A number of State and federal
agencies have regulatory authority
over sensitive resources, including
jurisdictional wetlands and waters,
certain special- status species, and
coastal areas. These agencies
include the following
􀂡 California Department of Fish
and Game ( www. dfg. ca. gov)
􀂡 California Coastal Commission
( www. coastalconservancy. ca. gov)
􀂡 Regional Water Quality Control
Board ( www. waterboards. ca. gov/
sanfranciscobay)
􀂡 U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service
( www. fws. gov)
􀂡 National Marine ( NOAA)
Fisheries Service
( www. nmfs. noaa. gov)
􀂡 U. S. Army Corps of Engineers
( www. usace. army. mil/ inet/
functions/ cw/ cecwo/ reg/)
NATURAL SYSTEMS & AGRICULTURE ELEMENT
MARIN COUNTYWIDE PLAN Biological Resources 2- 13
Oak woodlands are threatened by Sudden Oak Death, development, and poor land
management. Since its initial detection in the mid- 1990s in Blithedale Canyon in Mill Valley,
Sudden Oak Death ( see Map 2- 6, Sudden Oak Death) has had a major impact on native
habitats in Marin. The pathogen believed to be a major cause of Sudden Oak Death,
Phytophthora ramorum, is known to affect at least 31 species of plants. Studies of the cause
and treatment of this disease, and management of woodlands to reduce the fire hazard posed
by dead trees while still protecting habitat for special- status species and other wildlife, are all
necessary in addressing the impacts of this disease. Oak woodland and savannah are also
threatened by development. Indiscriminate development and poor land management practices,
such as removal of native tree cover, filling of creeks and wetlands, and use of pesticides and
herbicides, can contribute to further degradation of woodlands and other vital native habitat.
Development is encroaching on baylands and limiting the potential for restoration of historic
diked and tidal areas. Major opportunities for preservation and enhancement of the baylands
ecosystem in Marin exist north of Point San Pedro where a wide, continuous band of diked
and tidal marsh stretches along the shores of China Camp State Park north to San Antonio
Creek and along the Gallinas and Novato creek corridors. Threatened marshland complexes
also fringe the Corte Madera shoreline and the Manzanita and western shorelines of
Richardson Bay.
Future development may further impact public lands where it is proximate to sensitive habitat
on public lands. Inappropriate development could, for example, fragment habitat or negatively
impact adjacent sites. The Countywide Plan establishes or reaffirms policies that protect natural
resources on and adjacent to public lands. For instance, the Ridge and Upland Greenbelt,
Wetlands Conservation Area, Streamside Conservation Area, and Baylands policies all strive to
limit impacts on sensitive sites and, by extension, public lands adjacent to them.
What Are the Desired Outcomes?
GOAL BIO- 1
Enhanced Native Habitat and Biodiversity. Effectively manage and enhance
native habitat, maintain viable native plant and animal populations, and
provide for improved biodiversity throughout the County.
Policies
BIO- 1.1 Protect Wetlands, Habitat for Special- Status Species,
Sensitive Natural Communities, and Important Wildlife
Nursery Areas and Movement Corridors. Protect sensitive
biological resources, wetlands, migratory species of the
Pacific flyway, and wildlife movement corridors through careful environmental review
of proposed development applications, including consideration of cumulative impacts,
participation in comprehensive habitat management programs with other local and
MARIN COUNTYWIDE PLAN
2- 14 Biological Resources NATURAL SYSTEMS & AGRICULTURE ELEMENT
“ Look deep into nature,
and then you will understand
everything better.”
— Albert Einstein
resource agencies, and continued acquisition and
management of open space lands that provide for
permanent protection of important natural habitats.
BIO- 1.2 Acquire Habitat. Continue to acquire areas
containing sensitive resources for use as permanent open
space, and encourage and support public and private
partnerships formed to acquire and manage important
natural habitat areas, such as baylands, wetlands, coastal
shorelines, wildlife corridors, and other lands linking
permanently protected open space lands.
BIO- 1.3 Protect Woodlands, Forests, and Tree Resources. Protect large native trees, trees with
historical importance; oak woodlands; healthy and safe eucalyptus groves that support
colonies of monarch butterflies, colonial nesting birds, or known raptor sites; and
forest habitats. Prevent the untimely removal of trees through implementation of
standards in the Development Code and the Native Tree Preservation and Protection
Ordinance. Encourage other local agencies to adopt tree preservation ordinances to
protect native trees and woodlands, regardless of whether they are located in urban or
undeveloped areas. See also Policy SV- 1.7.
BIO- 1.4 Support Vegetation and Wildlife Disease Management Programs. Support agency
programs and proven methods to limit the impacts of Sudden Oak Death syndrome
and any other diseases harmful to native vegetation and wildlife in Marin County, while
addressing any potential adverse effects on sensitive resources.
BIO- 1.5 Promote Use of Native Plant Species.
Encourage use of a variety of native or compatible non-native,
non- invasive plant species indigenous to the site
vicinity as part of project landscaping to improve wildlife
habitat values.
BIO- 1.6 Control Spread of Invasive Exotic Plants.
Prohibit use of invasive species in required landscaping as
part of the discretionary review of proposed development.
Work with landowners, landscapers, the Marin County
Open Space District, nurseries, and the multi- agency
Weed Management Area to remove and prevent the
spread of highly invasive and noxious weeds. Invasive
plants are those plants listed in the State’s Noxious Weed
List, the California Invasive Plant Council’s list of “ Exotic
Pest Plants of Greatest Ecological Concern in California,”
and other priority species identified by the agricultural
commissioner and California Department of Agriculture.
Species of particular concern include the following:
“ Thoreau suggested that every
community should have its
patch of woods where people
could refresh themselves. His
notion of Nature as having
healing powers has now the
force of revealed truth.”
— Wallace Stegner, Where the
Bluebird Sings to the Lemonade
Springs, 1992
NATURAL SYSTEMS & AGRICULTURE ELEMENT
MARIN COUNTYWIDE PLAN Biological Resources 2- 15
barbed goatgrass ( Aegilops triuncialis), giant reed ( Arundo donax), Italian thistle
( Carduus pycnocephalus), distaff thistle ( Carthamus lanatus), purple starthistle
( Centaurea calcitrapa), yellow starthistle ( Centaurea solstitialis), pampas grass
( Cortaderia selloana), Scotch broom ( Cytisus scoparius), Cape ivy ( Delairea odorata),
oblong spurge ( Euphorbia oblongata), fennel ( Foeniculum vulgare), French broom
( Genista monspessulana), salt- water cord grass ( Spartina alternifolia), Spanish broom
( Spartium junceum), medusahead ( Taeniatherum caput- medusae), gorse ( Ulex
europaeus), and periwinkle ( Vinca major), among others.
BIO- 1.7 Remove Invasive Exotic Plants. Require the removal of invasive exotic species, to the
extent feasible, when considering applicable measures in discretionary permit
approvals for development projects unrelated to agriculture, and include monitoring to
prevent re- establishment in managed areas.
BIO- 1.8 Restrict Use of Herbicides, Insecticides, and Similar Materials. Encourage the use of
integrated pest management and organic practices to manage pests with the least
possible hazard to the environment. Restrict the use of insecticides, herbicides, or any
toxic chemical substance in sensitive habitats, except when an emergency has been
declared; the habitat itself is threatened; a substantial risk to public health and safety
exists, including maintenance for flood control; or such use is authorized pursuant to a
permit issued by the agricultural commissioner. Encourage nontoxic strategies for pest
control, such as habitat management using physical and biological controls, as an
alternative to chemical treatment, and allow use of toxic chemical substances only after
other approaches have been tried and determined unsuccessful. Continue to
implement the Integrated Pest Management ordinance for county- related operations.
BIO- 1.9 Control Spread of Non- Native Invasive Animal Species. Work with landowners, the
Marin County Open Space District, the California Department of Fish and Game, the
U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Marine Fisheries Service, the National
Invasive Species Council, Point Reyes National Seashore, and other agencies and
organizations to control and prevent the spread of non- native, invasive animal species.
Species of particular concern include: introduced red fox ( Vulpes vulpes), Chinese
mitten crab ( Eriocheir sinensis), bullfrog ( Rana catesbeiana), and wild boar ( Sus
scrofa), among others. Wild turkey ( Meleagris gallopavo) is also a non- native species of
increasing abundance and concern in the county, and it requires careful management
to prevent adverse impacts on native habitat.
Why is this important?
Sustaining native habitat secures essential habitat for special- status species and protects the remaining
sensitive natural communities, wetlands, and other important biological resources in the county.
Environment: An estimated 47% of the county has been developed with urban, suburban residential,
and agricultural uses, and anticipated future development continues to threaten the remaining native
habitat and associated biodiversity. Adequate protection and effective management is essential to
sustaining the health of the remaining natural areas.
MARIN COUNTYWIDE PLAN
2- 16 Biological Resources NATURAL SYSTEMS & AGRICULTURE ELEMENT
“ All ethics so far evolved
rest upon a single premise:
that the individual is a
member of a community
of interdependent
parts. . . . The land ethic
simply enlarges the
boundaries of the
community to include
soils, waters, plants,
and animals, or
collectively: the land.”
— Aldo Leopold ( 1886– 1948),
A Sand County Almanac, 1949
Economy: Preserving and enhancing native habitat contributes to healthy working and living conditions,
provides a continuing draw for tourism and recreational industries, and stimulates related economic
investment opportunities.
Equity: Sustainable and diverse native habitat benefits the human population by contributing to healthy
living conditions, providing a place for outdoor recreation and enjoyment, helping to clean water by
filtering urban pollutants, stabilizing hillside slopes, and preserving environmental beauty and diversity
for present and future generations.
How will results be achieved?
Implementing Programs
BIO- 1. a Map Natural Communities. Work with other agencies to complete GIS mapping of
vegetation, wetlands, and streams in the county according to the National Vegetation
Classification system, consistent with methodology used to map vegetation in the
Golden Gate National Recreation Area and Point Reyes National Seashore.
BIO- 1. b Develop Habitat Monitoring Programs. Using countywide GIS mapping of natural
communities and other information sources, work with other agencies to develop a
program to monitor trends in habitat loss, protection, and restoration. Establish
cumulative thresholds for habitat loss for particularly vulnerable natural communities
and use as a basis for modifying standards for mitigation.
BIO- 1. c Maintain a Natural Resource Information
Program. Provide interested public, the cities/ towns in the
county, and landowners with up- to- date information on
sensitive ecological resources and regulations enacted to
protect these resources, to accurately assess the potential
impacts of proposed development on species and habitat
diversity, determine when additional detailed site
environmental assessment is necessary, provide
information on invasive exotic species control, and
monitor development trends and habitat management
activities. The Natural Resource Program should contain
the following:
1. Up- to- date information on verified sightings of special-status
species and sensitive natural communities compiled
by the California Natural Diversity Data Base, California
Department of Fish and Game, Non- Game Heritage
Division.
NATURAL SYSTEMS & AGRICULTURE ELEMENT
MARIN COUNTYWIDE PLAN Biological Resources 2- 17
2. Reports and agency recovery programs for special- status species and sensitive
natural communities, and related information summarizing regulations.
3. Up- to- date information from the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries, and California Department of Fish and
Game, including lists of special- status species and their current status and lists of
terrestrial natural communities and sensitive natural communities.
4. Available recovery plans for listed special- status species, mapping of critical habitat
areas, and sightings and inventories of migratory species; reports, sightings, and
recovery programs from credible, local sources such as the PRBO Conservation
Science, California Native Plant Society, and Marin Audubon Society.
5. Biological reports completed as part of environmental review of proposed
development projects and other studies, including information shared with cities
and towns and districts within Marin County.
6. Lists of appropriate and
inappropriate plant species for use in
developing landscape plans to ensure
that invasive exotic plants, plants with
high water requirements, and, in fire
hazard areas, species that are highly
flammable, are excluded.
7. Summarized information for use by
landowners addressing habitat
protection and management of
sensitive resources. This may include
a list of references to existing and
ongoing information sources
pertaining to natural resource
management, and production of
brochures summarizing setback
standards, appropriate and
inappropriate lands use practices,
and desired management programs.
BIO- 1. d Reevaluate County Native Tree Preservation and Protection Ordinance # 3291.
Consider expanding existing provisions along with establishing a complementary
education and outreach program to ensure woodland conservation and management,
not simply protection of individual trees. Factors to address in the reevaluation include
preserving stands or groups of trees, identifying and promoting representative species
and a diversity of age classes, minimizing fragmentation and providing linkages and
corridors, protecting and enhancing other components of forest and woodlands such as
“ In the end, our society will
be defined not only by what
we create, but by what
we refuse to destroy.”
— John C. Sawhill ( 1936– 2000),
President, the Nature
Conservancy, 1990– 2000
MARIN COUNTYWIDE PLAN
2- 18 Biological Resources NATURAL SYSTEMS & AGRICULTURE ELEMENT
understory species and associated wildlife, and providing for sustainable regeneration
through natural processes.
BIO- 1. e Protect Against Vegetation and Wildlife Diseases. Participate in developing public
information programs and regulations addressing diseases, and in publicizing
management practices to control their spread. Manage hazardous vegetation affected
by Sudden Oak Death syndrome according to standards set by the California Oak
Mortality Task Force.
BIO- 1. f Prepare Appropriate Landscape Lists. Prepare lists of appropriate native and non-native
landscape species that are not invasive plants, have habitat value, have low- water
requirements, and, for high hazard areas of the county, have low flammability. Prepare
a second set of lists of plant species to avoid that are highly flammable, inappropriate
water- thirsty plants, or undesirable invasive exotic species for property owner use in
developing new or enhancing existing landscaping. Require applicants for discretionary
approval with parcels that share all or part of a boundary with publicly owned open
space to develop landscape plans that fully conform to the lists of appropriate plants.
Prepare lists with input from the California Department of Fish and Game, agricultural
commissioner, University of California Cooperative Extension, California Native Plant
Society, Marin Municipal Water District, National Park Service, and other appropriate
sources to verify suitability.
BIO- 1. g Expand Education, Outreach, and Regulatory Programs Regarding Control of Invasive
Exotic Species. Continue to work with the Marin/ Sonoma Weed Management Area to
promote the control and management of invasive exotic plant species. As part of the
Natural Resource Information Program, provide interested public and landowners with
information on invasive exotic species control and management, including up- to- date
lists of invasive exotic plant and animal species of concern in Marin County, and links
to other agencies and organizations involved in monitoring their status, such as the
California Department of Fish and Game, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries, the National Invasive Species
Council, and the California Invasive Plant Council. Explore the feasibility of creating
an ordinance that prohibits the sale of selected invasive exotic plant species of
particular threat to natural habitat in Marin County, such as Scotch broom and French
broom.
BIO- 1. h Encourage Community Forest Programs. Work with volunteer organizations and
Marin cities and towns to encourage the creation of comprehensive, long- term
community forestry programs in recognition of the multiple benefits that trees provide
to our health, our communities, and the environment.
NATURAL SYSTEMS & AGRICULTURE ELEMENT
MARIN COUNTYWIDE PLAN Biological Resources 2- 19
“ Health is the capacity of
the land for self- renewal.
Conservation is our effort
to understand and
preserve this capacity.”
— Aldo Leopold
What Are the Desired Outcomes?
GOAL BIO- 2
Protection of Sensitive Biological Resources. Require identification of
sensitive biological resources and commitment to adequate protection and
mitigation, and monitor development trends and resource preservation
efforts.
Policies
BIO- 2.1 Include Resource Preservation in Environmental Review.
Require environmental review pursuant to CEQA of
development applications to assess the impact of proposed
development on native species and habitat diversity, particularly special- status species,
sensitive natural communities, wetlands, and important wildlife nursery areas and
movement corridors. Require adequate mitigation measures for ensuring the
protection of any sensitive resources and achieving “ no net loss” of sensitive habitat
acreage, values, and function.
BIO- 2.2 Limit Development Impacts. Restrict or modify proposed development in areas that
contain essential habitat for special- status species, sensitive natural communities,
wetlands, baylands and coastal habitat, and riparian habitats, as necessary to ensure the
continued health and survival of these species and sensitive areas. Development
projects should preferably be modified to avoid impacts on sensitive resources, or to
adequately mitigate impacts by providing on- site or ( as a lowest priority) off- site
replacement at a higher ratio.
BIO- 2.3 Preserve Ecotones. Condition or modify
development permits to ensure that
ecotones, or natural transitions between
habitat types, are preserved and
enhanced because of their importance to
wildlife. Ecotones of particular concern
include those along the margins of
riparian corridors, baylands and
marshlands, vernal pools, and woodlands
and forests where they transition to
grasslands and other habitat types.
BIO- 2.4 Protect Wildlife Nursery Areas and Movement Corridors. Ensure that important
corridors for wildlife movement and dispersal are protected as a condition of
discretionary permits, including consideration of cumulative impacts. Features of
particular importance to wildlife for movement may include riparian corridors,
shorelines of the coast and bay, and ridgelines. Linkages and corridors shall be
provided that connect sensitive habitat areas such as woodlands, forests, wetlands, and
MARIN COUNTYWIDE PLAN
2- 20 Biological Resources NATURAL SYSTEMS & AGRICULTURE ELEMENT
essential habitat for special- status species, including an assessment of cumulative
impacts.
BIO- 2.5 Restrict Disturbance in Sensitive Habitat During Nesting Season. Limit construction
and other sources of potential disturbance in sensitive riparian corridors, wetlands, and
baylands to protect bird nesting activities. Disturbance should generally be set back
from sensitive habitat during the nesting season from March 1 through August 1 to
protect bird nesting, rearing, and fledging activities. Preconstruction surveys should be
conducted by a qualified professional where development is proposed in sensitive
habitat areas during the nesting season, and appropriate restrictions should be defined
to protect nests in active use and ensure that any young have fledged before
construction proceeds.
BIO- 2.6 Identify Opportunities for Safe Wildlife Movement. Ensure that existing stream
channels and riparian corridors continue to provide for wildlife movement at roadway
crossings, preferably through the use of bridges, or through over- sized culverts, while
maintaining or restoring a natural channel bottom. Consider the need for wildlife
movement in designing and expanding major roadways and other barriers in the
county. Of particular concern is the possible widening of Highway 101 north of Novato
to the county line, where maintenance of movement opportunities for terrestrial
wildlife between the undeveloped habitat on Mount Burdell and the marshlands along
the Petaluma River is critical.
BIO- 2.7 Protect Sensitive Coastal Habitat. Protect coastal dunes, streams, and wetlands, and
sensitive wildlife habitat from development in accordance with coastal resource
management standards in the development code.
BIO- 2.8 Coordinate with Trustee Agencies. Consult with trustee agencies ( the California
Department of Fish and Game, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration Fisheries, U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, Environmental
Protection Agency, Regional Water Quality Control Board, and Bay Conservation and
Development Commission) during environmental review when special- status species,
sensitive natural communities, or wetlands may be adversely affected.
BIO- 2.9 Promote Early Consultation with Other Agencies. Require applicants to consult with
all agencies with review authority for projects in areas supporting wetlands and special-status
species at the outset of project planning.
Why is this important?
The loss of critical, sensitive biological resources is well documented. To minimize further loss, it is
necessary to identify remaining sensitive resources and their habitats to protect them from the impacts
of development.
Environment: Marin County supports a high number of sensitive biological resources, because of both
the wide diversity of habitats and their vulnerability to future threats. Over 120 plant and animal species
NATURAL SYSTEMS & AGRICULTURE ELEMENT
MARIN COUNTYWIDE PLAN Biological Resources 2- 21
and more than eight sensitive natural communities are monitored by the State because of their
vulnerability. Continued monitoring is needed to fully understand ongoing threats and provide for
adaptive management of essential habitat.
Economy: Protecting both sensitive resources and larger areas of surrounding natural habitat improves
their long- term viability and the overall biodiversity of the region. Because many sensitive resources are
highly regulated by State and federal agencies, leaving them in their natural state minimizes the need for
costly mitigation and monitoring of replacement habitat.
Social Equity: Preserving essential habitat for sensitive resources provides additional opportunities for
enjoyment of our natural resources, contributes to healthy living conditions, and provides opportunities
for passive recreation and enjoyment for all.
How will results be achieved?
Implementing Programs
BIO- 2. a Require Site Assessments. Require site assessment by a qualified professional for
development applications that may adversely affect sensitive biological or wetland
resources, including jurisdictional wetlands, occurrences of special- status species,
occurrences of sensitive natural communities, and important wildlife nursery areas and
movement corridors. The assessment should determine the presence or absence of
any sensitive resources that could be affected by development, evaluate the potential
impacts, and identify measures for protecting the resource and surrounding habitat.
Require the assessment to be conducted by a qualified professional paid for by the
applicant. Unless waived, the qualified professional should be hired directly by Marin
County.
BIO- 2. b Conduct Habitat Connectivity Assessment. Conduct a comprehensive assessment of
habitat fragmentation and connectivity loss in coordination with resource agencies,
landowners, and interested public. Develop recommendations for policies to protect
essential habitat corridors and linkages, and to restore and improve opportunities for
native plant and animal dispersal. Protection could include acquisition as open space in
fee title, permanent preservation and management under a conservation easement, or
other suitable methods. Important factors that should be considered as part of the
assessment include the following: locations of sensitive resources such as special- status
species and wetlands; methods to eliminate obstructions along streams that currently
limit the functions and values of riparian corridors; effects of intensive development,
major roadways, and fencing on plant and animal dispersal; and the need to protect
and enhance linkages between baylands and undeveloped uplands through the eastern
part of the county.
BIO- 2. c Facilitate Agency Review. Coordinate County review with that of agencies with
jurisdiction over proposed activities and areas, and require evidence of compliance
with any necessary permits from federal and State agencies prior to issuance of County
grading or building permits.
MARIN COUNTYWIDE PLAN
2- 22 Biological Resources NATURAL SYSTEMS & AGRICULTURE ELEMENT
BIO- 2. d Promote Early Agency Consultation. Inform applicants upon initial contact with the
County about other agencies that may have jurisdiction, and the policies and standards
of those agencies that may regulate proposed development activities.
BIO- 2. e Participate in FishNet4C Program. Continue to actively participate in the FishNet4C
program and work cooperatively with participating agencies to implement
recommendations to improve and restore aquatic habitat for listed anadromous fish
species and other fishery resources.
What Are the Desired Outcomes?
GOAL BIO- 3
Wetland Conservation. Require all feasible measures to avoid and
minimize potential adverse impacts on existing wetlands and to encourage
programs for restoration and enhancement of degraded wetlands.
Policies
BIO- 3.1 Protect Wetlands. Require development to avoid wetland areas
so that the existing wetlands and upland buffers are preserved and
opportunities for enhancement are retained ( areas within setbacks may
contain significant resource values similar to those within wetlands and
also provide a transitional protection zone). Establish a Wetland Conservation Area
( WCA) for jurisdictional wetlands to be retained, which includes the protected wetland
and associated buffer area. Development shall be set back a minimum distance to
protect the wetland and provide an upland buffer. Larger setback standards may apply
to wetlands supporting special- status species or associated with riparian systems and
baylands under tidal influence, given the importance of protecting the larger
ecosystems for these habitat types as called for under Stream Conservation and
Baylands Conservation policies defined in Policy BIO- 4.1 and BIO- 5.1, respectively.
Regardless of parcel size, a site assessment is required either where incursion into a
WCA is proposed or where full compliance with all WCA criteria would not be met.
Employ the following criteria when evaluating development projects that may impact
wetland areas ( see Figure 2- 1):
City- Centered Corridor:
􀂋 For parcels more than 2 acres in size, a minimum 100- foot development setback
from wetlands is required.
􀂋 For parcels between 2 and 0.5 acres in size, a minimum 50- foot development
setback from wetlands is required.
􀂋 For parcels less than 0.5 acres in size, a minimum 20- foot development setback
from wetlands is required. The developed portion( s) of parcels ( less than 0.5 acres
NATURAL SYSTEMS & AGRICULTURE ELEMENT
MARIN COUNTYWIDE PLAN Biological Resources 2- 23
in size) located behind an existing authorized flood control levee or dike are not
subject to a development setback.
􀂋 Regardless of parcel size, an additional buffer may be required based on the results
of a site assessment, if such an assessment is determined to be necessary. Site
assessments will be required and conducted pursuant to Program BIO- 3. c,
Require Site Assessment.
Coastal, Inland Rural, and Baylands Corridors:
􀂋 For all parcels, provide a minimum 100- foot development setback from wetlands
( areas within setbacks may contain significant resource values similar to those
within wetlands and also provide a transitional protection zone). An additional
buffer may be required, based on the results of a site assessment, if such an
assessment is determined to be necessary. Site assessments will be required and
conducted pursuant to Program BIO- 3. c, Require Site Assessment.
Exceptions to full compliance with the WCA setback standards may apply only in
the following cases:
1. Parcel is already developed with an existing use, provided no unauthorized fill or
other modifications to wetlands have occurred as part of ongoing use of the
property.
2. Parcel is undeveloped and falls entirely within the WCA.
3. Parcel is undeveloped and potential impacts on water quality, wildlife habitat, or
other sensitive resources would be greater as a result of development outside the
WCA than development within the WCA, as determined by a site assessment.
4. Wetlands are avoided and a site assessment demonstrates that minimal incursion
within the minimum WCA setback distance would not result in any significant
adverse direct or indirect impacts on wetlands.
MARIN COUNTYWIDE PLAN
2- 24 Biological Resources NATURAL SYSTEMS & AGRICULTURE ELEMENT
Figure 2- 1 Typical Cross- Sections of Wetland Conservation Areas
􀂋 Minimum setback distance of 100 feet from jurisdictional wetlands for parcels more than 2 acres.
􀂋 Minimum setback distance of 50 feet from jurisdictional wetlands for parcels between 2 and 0.5 acres.
􀂋 Minimum setback distance of 20 feet for parcels less than 0.5 acres in size.
􀂋 An additional setback distance may be required, based on the results of a site assessment, if such an
assessment is determined to be necessary. Site assessments will be required and conducted pursuant to
program BIO- 3. c, Require Site Assessment.
􀂋 Regardless of parcel size, a site assessment is required either where incursion into a WCA is proposed or
where full compliance with all WCA criteria would not be met.
􀂋 Minimum setback distance of 100 feet from edge of jurisdictional wetlands regardless of parcel size, unless
an exception is allowed because parcel falls entirely within WCA or development outside WCA is either
infeasible or would have greater impact.
􀂋 An additional setback distance may be required, based on the results of a site assessment, if such an
assessment is determined to be necessary. Site assessments will be required and conducted pursuant to
program BIO- 3. c, Require Site Assessment.
􀂋 Regardless of parcel size, a site assessment is required either where incursion into a WCA is proposed or
where full compliance with all WCA criteria would not be met.
NATURAL SYSTEMS & AGRICULTURE ELEMENT
MARIN COUNTYWIDE PLAN Biological Resources 2- 25
BIO- 3.2 Require Thorough Mitigation. Where avoidance of wetlands is not possible, require
provision of replacement habitat on- site through restoration and/ or habitat creation at a
minimum ratio of 2 acres for each acre lost ( 2: 1 replacement ratio) for on- site
mitigation and a minimum 3: 1 replacement ratio for off- site mitigation. Mitigation
wetlands should be of the same type as those lost and provide habitat for the species
that use the existing wetland. Mitigation should also be required for incursion within
the minimum WCA setback/ transition zone.
Why is this important?
An estimated 90% of all wetlands in the nation have been eliminated by filling and dredging. Net losses
could continue to occur unless wetlands are accurately mapped and protected, and efforts are made to
effectively restore and enhance degraded wetlands.
Environment: Wetlands are both highly productive and sensitive resources biologically, supporting a
great diversity of plant and animal species, providing essential habitat for a high number of special- status
species and migratory birds and fish, and serving critical water purification and groundwater recharge
functions. Development setbacks are necessary around wetlands to provide a buffer to prevent
disturbance of important wildlife habitat, and to filter sediments and pollutants from disturbed areas
and urban runoff.
Economy: Maintaining and enhancing wetlands serves to protect the long- term health of the county,
and consequently makes it a desirable location for business and commerce. Protecting the natural water
filtration and recharge functions of wetlands serves to reduce the costs of flood damage, water pollution,
and water supply redistribution.
Equity: Protecting and restoring natural wetlands provides improved habitat for both wildlife and
humans.
How will results be achieved?
Implementing Programs
BIO- 3. a Adopt Wetland Conservation Area Ordinance. Prepare and adopt an ordinance to
refine wetland standards pursuant to WCA polices. Setback distances and buffer
criteria for smaller developed parcels within the City- Centered Corridor should allow
flexibility based on site constraints, opportunities for avoidance, presence of sensitive
biological resources, and options for alternative mitigation. As part of the new
ordinance, consider including incentives to reduce the extent of existing development
within a WCA, or improve conditions that may be impacting sensitive resources if the
parcel is proposed for redevelopment.
BIO- 3. b Comply with Regulations to Protect Wetlands. Continue to require development
applications to include the submittal of a wetland delineation for sites with
jurisdictional wetlands and to demonstrate compliance with these wetlands policies,
standards, and criteria, and with State and federal regulations.
BIO- 3. c Require Site Assessment. Require development applications to include the submittal of
a site assessment prepared by a qualified professional where incursions into the WCA
MARIN COUNTYWIDE PLAN
2- 26 Biological Resources NATURAL SYSTEMS & AGRICULTURE ELEMENT
are proposed, or adverse impacts to wetlands resources may otherwise occur. The
assessment should be considered in determining whether any adverse direct or indirect
impacts on wetlands would occur as a result of the proposed development, whether
wetlands criteria and standards are being met, and to identify measures necessary to
mitigate any significant impacts. The site assessment may also serve as a basis for the
County to apply restrictions in addition to those required by State and federal
regulations. The site assessment shall be paid for by the applicant. Unless waived, the
qualified professional shall be hired directly by Marin County.
BIO- 3. d Prioritize Wetland Avoidance. Amend the Development Code to require
development to avoid wetlands and transition zones. Where avoidance of wetlands is
not possible, require the provision of replacement habitat on- site through restoration
and/ or habitat creation, provided that no net loss of wetland area, wetland function,
and habitat values occurs. On- site wetlands mitigation shall be provided at a minimum
ratio of 2 acres for each acre lost ( 2: 1 replacement ratio). Allow off- site wetland
mitigation only when an applicant has demonstrated that no net loss of wetland area,
wetland functions, and wetland values would occur, and that on- site mitigation is not
possible. In those rare instances when on- site wetlands loss is unavoidable and on- site
replacement is infeasible, require that a minimum of 3 acres be provided through
mitigation for each acre lost ( 3: 1 replacement ratio), preferably of the same habitat type
as the wetland area that would be lost. The mitigation site should be close to the site of
loss so that the mitigation wetland would provide habitat for the species that use the
existing wetlands.
BIO- 3. e Establish Clear Mitigation Criteria. Amend the Development Code to incorporate
wetland impact mitigations measures that accomplish the following objectives:
a. No net losses shall occur in wetland acreage, functions, or values. This should
include both direct impacts