Environmental Review Program

Balancing growth and development with preservation of our natural resources during the Planning process is the main challenge for the Environmental Review Section.

Environmental Review Program

Environmental Review Program

The balance of growth and development is accomplished through addressing all of the following areas during review of a project and providing comments to the Planning Department case manager for a particular development project: Tree Preservation & Removal/Replacement, Erosion & Sediment Control Plan, Threatened & Endangered Species Protection, Well Management Plans, Hazardous Materials Assessments, Wetland Protection, Habitat Preservation and Wetland Mitigation & Monitoring. read on Environmental Review Program

Tree Preservation & Removal / Replacement

Tree Preservation & Removal / Replacement

Tree Removal & Replacement for a development project is reviewed by the Environmental Review Section with assistance from the Urban Forestry (UF) Manager. In their review, staff assists the applicant in determining the highest quality trees to preserve within a development project and reviews proposed plant material on landscape plans for the right plant or tree in the right place read on Tree Preservation & Removal / Replacement

Erosion & Sediment Control Plan

Erosion & Sediment Control Plan

An Erosion & Sediment Control Plan (ESCP) is required for every development project with few exceptions. The purpose for an ESCP is to ensure that construction activities on a site do not result in silt or soil traveling off-site. read on Erosion & Sediment Control Plan

Threatened & Endangered Species Protection

Threatened & Endangered Species Protection

The protection of Threatened & Endangered Species is required by both the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (U.S. F & W S) and Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) regulations. These regulations are enforced by the County when development projects are reviewed and are incorporated into both the County’s Comprehensive Plan and the Land Development Code. read on Threatened & Endangered Species Protection

Well Management Plan

Well Management Plan

Water wells are regulated by the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD). Manatee County upholds the requirements of SWFWMD through Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code policies that implement the regulations. read on Well Management Plan

Hazardous Materials Assessment

A hazardous materials assessment may be requested by Development Review staff while reviewing a project that likely had a use or uses on-site in the past that involved the use or production of hazardous materials. The Land Development Code addresses this subject. read on Hazardous Materials Assessment

Wetland Protection

Wetland Protection is governed by the South West Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD). The County enforces regulations through SWFWMD requirements that have been adopted and placed in our Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code. When a new development comes in for review it has to comply with these regulations. read on Wetland Protection

Habitat Preservation

Habitat Preservation

Habitat Preservation is required by both the Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code and is reviewed by the environmental reviewers during the development review process. read on Habitat Preservation

Wetland Mitigation & Monitoring

Wetland Mitigation & Monitoring

When a development project has wetland impacts that must be mitigated, the mitigation area, whether wetland or upland, must be bonded with a security to ensure its success. read on Wetland Mitigation & Monitoring