§ 44-83. Natural resource development standards.

(a)

Intent. The intent of this section is to set forth standards for the protection of important and sensitive natural resources in the unincorporated areas of McDuffie County for the purposes of maintaining the public health, safety, and general welfare, and to meet the goals, objectives and policies of the comprehensive plan. Protection and preservation of natural resources can provide unique public benefits for the community. These benefits include, but are not limited to: 1) the protection of sensitive habitats for fish, wildlife and endangered species; 2) prevention of nutrient exchange; 3) protection of surface water recharge areas; 4) protection of areas needed for scientific or educational research; 5) protection of public waters and recreational opportunities; and 6) promulgation of aesthetic enhancement and the protection of property values. These natural resource development standards have been established to feature requirements and/or incentives which are appropriate to providing the aforementioned public benefits, while at the same time reducing the overall negative impacts and public costs which may be imposed by manmade development. These natural resource development standards are applicable in all general zoning districts except where increased or different standards exists within this chapter, or where state or federal standards have jurisdiction or domain.

(b)

Usry Pond Watershed Overlay District requirements. The purpose of establishing special requirements for the Usry Pond Water Supply Watershed is to protect the drinking water supplies for those jurisdictions within McDuffie County that provide public potable water. These protections are necessary for the enhancement of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as to assure that surface sources of drinking water are of high quality, thereby requiring minimal treatment to satisfy all state and federal drinking water standards. This protection is evidenced by the adoption of the Usry Pond Watershed Protection Ordinance by the board of commissioners on February 4, 1998 which shall hereby be incorporated into this zoning ordinance by reference and is found in Appendix A.

(Ord. of 3-23-99, Art. V, § 3)