SPACER
PUBLIC WORKS CONSTRUCTION CODE
SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS (ESA)
SPACER
- Chapter 1: Purpose and Applicability
Section 1.1 Purpose
The purpose of this document is to establish special regulations for construction and other public works activities within designated Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA). These regulations are intended to:- Protect and preserve natural resources, wildlife habitats, and ecologically significant areas.
- Minimize the environmental impact of construction projects.
- Ensure sustainable development practices are followed in areas where ecosystems are vulnerable to disruption.
- Maintain compliance with local, state, and federal environmental laws.
This Code applies to all public works projects, construction activities, land development, and other human activities within Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs) as defined in this document. The designated ESAs include:
City of Los Santos: As per the map attached.
Red County: All areas of Red County except:- The townships of Dillimore, Palomino Creek, and Blueberry.
- The Blueberry Industrial Estate.
- Highways and areas within 50 feet of the highway right-of-way.
- Highways and areas within 50 feet of the highway right-of-way.
- Chapter 2: Definition of Environmentally Sensitive Areas
Section 2.1 Types of Environmentally Sensitive Areas
For the purposes of this Code, Environmentally Sensitive Areas include, but are not limited to:
Wetlands: Areas where water saturates the land either permanently or seasonally, including marshes, swamps, and bogs.
Watercourses and Riparian Zones: Rivers, streams, creeks, and the adjacent land that affect and are affected by these bodies of water.
Coastal Zones: Shoreline areas affected by tidal movements and coastal ecosystems.
Forest Areas: Regions with significant tree cover, particularly those with old-growth forests or endangered species habitats.
Wildlife Habitats: Areas known to support endangered or protected species of flora and fauna, including designated conservation areas.
Geologically Hazardous Areas: Areas prone to landslides, erosion, or other geologic hazards that can be exacerbated by construction.
Mountain and Hill Regions: Elevated areas where construction may affect drainage patterns, vegetation, and natural landscapes.
- Chapter 3: Permitting Requirements and Restrictions in ESAs
Section 3.1 Special Requirements
Any person or entity intending to conduct construction or other public works projects within an ESA must undergo an environmental impact assessment, in addition to obtaining regular permits required by the Public Works Construction Code.
Prohibited Activities in ESAs:
The following activities are strictly prohibited in designated ESAs unless explicitly authorized:- Land clearing or deforestation.
- Alteration of natural waterways or drainage systems.
- Use of heavy machinery without protective ground coverings to minimize soil disruption.
- Disposal of hazardous materials or waste.
- Construction activities that directly impact wildlife habitats or migratory routes.
50-Foot Buffer Requirement:- No construction, excavation, or land-altering activities may occur within 50 feet of any identified wetland, riparian zone, or watercourse within ESAs, except where a waiver is granted based on a detailed environmental review.
- Construction projects must maintain wildlife corridors of at least 100 feet in width where identified by environmental surveys, to allow free movement of animals through their habitats.
- Chapter 4: Construction Standards in ESAs
Section 4.1 Use of Sustainable Materials
Eco-Friendly Materials:- Construction in ESAs must use sustainable, low-impact building materials where possible. These include recycled materials, sustainably sourced timber, and materials with low carbon footprints.
- Projects must implement erosion and sediment control measures such as silt fences, straw bales, and vegetative buffers to prevent soil degradation and water contamination during construction.
Heavy Machinery:- The use of heavy machinery within ESAs must be minimized, and machinery should be equipped with technology to reduce emissions and noise pollution. Where possible, equipment should operate on designated pathways to reduce soil compaction and protect vegetation.
Tree Preservation:- Existing trees and vegetation within ESAs must be preserved where feasible. Any tree removal requires a separate permit, and replanting plans may be mandated. Protective barriers must be placed around trees and root zones during construction to prevent damage.
- Chapter 5: Maps
