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Search Results for Topic : Open Space Preservation
Updated Town and Village of Middleburgh Comprehensive Plan
Date Added: Monday, June 11, 2018Comprehensive Planning, Economic Development, Flood Prevention, Historic Preservation, Land Use Planning, Open Space Preservation, Solar Energy, Farmland Protection & Preservation
New York
Municipal
The Town and Village of Middleburgh, New York’s 2015 Comprehensive Plan calls for commercial-scale solar farms to be allowed through a Special Use Permit and that standards be applied to this use that ensures consistency with the scenic, environmental, and agricultural needs of the community. According to the plan, modifications to the community’s zoning ordinance should be made to ensure that these farms do not create negative aesthetic impacts and or direct glare onto roads or neighboring properties. The Plan also calls for the Town’s zoning ..
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Environmental Conservation Commission
Date Added: Thursday, April 26, 2018Open Space Preservation
New York
Municipal
The village of Ardsley, New York adopted an Environmental Conservation Commission to help preserve and improve the quality of the natural and man-made environments within the community. The commission advises the Village Board of Trustees on features and conditions of the village insofar as beauty, quality, biologic integrity and other environmental factors are concerned and, in the case of man's activities and developments with regard to any major threats posed to environmental quality, so as to enhance the long-range value of the environment ..
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Development and Design Standards
Date Added: Thursday, April 26, 2018Open Space Preservation
Alaska
Municipal
In chapter 21.07 of the Code of Ordinances of Anchorage, Alaska, the city outlines an updated standard of city planning based on the relationship between urban development and the natural environment. The purpose of the chapter is to encourage a prudent use of the local land by promoting a balance between the built environment and the preservation of open space and natural resources. This can be simplified into two primary objectives.
First, their public planning integrates usable open space and natural attractions in order to tailor the cit..
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Transforming Vacant Properties
Date Added: Thursday, April 26, 2018Open Space Preservation, Healthy Communities
Maryland
Municipal
Baltimore has a vacant property reclamation project termed “Project 5000.” The purpose of the project is to purchase vacant properties in “competitive, emerging, and stable” neighborhoods, but the most recent Master Plan calls for an extension of this project to “transitional and distressed” areas. Further, the plan calls for offering interest groups the chance to convert or purchase the vacant lots for conversion into community gardens, among other uses.
In combination with Project 5000, the Master Plan calls for support of a Community Gard..
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Village of Cross Plains Hill Development Ordinance
Date Added: Tuesday, May 9, 2017Buffer Zones, Open Space Preservation, Ridgeline Protection, Scenic Resources
Wisconsin
Municipal
The Village of Cross Plains established the following general regulations to protect the bluffs surrounding the village from development. They prohibit use or disturbance of hillsides and hilltop edges and require hilltop development to limit any land, vegetation, or scenic disturbance...
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Town of Kennett Open Space Design Options Ordinance
Date Added: Tuesday, May 9, 2017Open Space Preservation, Ridgeline Protection
Pennsylvania
Municipal
This law is a lengthy and detailed open space ordinance that contains a component emphasizing protection of steep slopes and ridgelines...
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Town of Amherst Development Methods Ordinance
Date Added: Tuesday, May 9, 2017Clustering & Cluster Development, Open Space Preservation, Planned Unit Development, Smart Growth
Massachusetts
Municipal
This ordinance provides for a variety of Smart Growth activities within the town including cluster development, planned unit development, and open space community development according to general standards...
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New York State Town – Transfer of Development Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017Comprehensive Planning, Historic Preservation, Open Space Preservation, Scenic Resources, State Land Use Law, Transfer of Development Rights (TDR), Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
New York
State
This law gives town boards in New York State the authority to provide for transfer of development rights. The purpose of providing for transfer of development rights is to protect the natural, scenic or agricultural qualities of open lands, to enhance sites and areas of special character or special historical, cultural, aesthetic or economic interest or value and to enable and encourage flexibility of design and careful management of land in recognition of land as a basic and valuable natural resource. ..
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State of New York County Law – Reforested Lands Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017Land Acquisition, Open Space Preservation, Tree Preservation & Protection
New York
State
This section of the General Powers of Board Supervisors gives the Board supervisors the power to purchase, acquire, or accept by gift lands for the purposes of reforestation. The ordinance establishes the procedures for taxation and assessment of the land as well as financial assistance procedures. ..
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Town of North Castle Trees Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017Open Space Preservation, Tree Preservation & Protection
New York
Municipal
This law creates and charges the Tree Board with the duties of studying, investigating, counseling and developing or updating a written plan for the care, preservation, pruning, planting, replanting, removal or disposition of trees and shrubs in parks, along streets and in other public areas. Such plan will be presented annually to the Town Board and, upon its acceptance and approval, shall constitute the official comprehensive town tree plan for the Town of North Castle, State of New York. The Tree Board, when requested by the Town Board, shal..
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Town of North Castle Moratorium Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017Moratoria, Open Space Preservation
New York
Municipal
As a result of the negative impact residential development has had on the environment of North Castle, the damage to the Town’s natural resources, the loss of open space, and the ability of the infrastructure of Town and special district facilities and services to adequately serve Town residents, along with other factors; the Town Board has enacted this moratorium. It has been specifically determined to be necessary in order to prevent the final approval of any further residential subdivisions Townwide and any new construction or large scale ..
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Town of New Paltz Wallkill River Recreation Overlay District
Date Added: Monday, May 8, 2017Comprehensive Planning, Floodplain Regulations, Open Space Preservation, Overlay District, Recreational Uses, Smart Growth, Wildlife & Fish Habitat
New York
Municipal
This law creates the Wallkill River Recreation District, which is to be an area that serves the combined purposes of recreation, open space preservation, floodplain management, wildlife protection and scenic resource preservation. The law outlines the procedures for obtaining land to be used in the project and creates restrictions to be placed on these lands once they become part of the project. The 2011 amendment adds “The public hearing upon the application for renewal of such special permits shall be noticed in accordance with Article XVI, ..
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State of North Carolina Agricultural Land Protection Ordinance – Counties
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017Open Space Preservation, Agriculture, State Land Use Law, Farmland Protection & Preservation
North Carolina
State
Counties have all the same powers with regard to agricultural land protection as cities have (see above). Additionally, counties have further authority, not provided to cities, under the Farmland Preservation Enabling Act, located at Article 61 within Chapter 106. Under § 106-736, counties may establish by ordinance a farmland preservation program. Such a program must provide for the establishment of voluntary agricultural districts consisting of a minimum number of acres (to be determined by the board of commissioners) and the formation of suc..
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State of North Carolina Agricultural Land Protection Ordinance - Cities
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017Historic Preservation, Open Space Preservation, Agriculture, State Land Use Law, Farmland Protection & Preservation
North Carolina
State
Under the Conservation and Historic Preservation Agreements Act, found at Article 4 within Chapter 121, cities have the authority to acquire conservation easements and other interests in property for the purpose of retaining the land for, among other uses, agriculture, horticulture, and farming. § 121-35, § 121-37. (See Conservation Easements, above.) Additionally, North Carolina has a statutorily stated goal of preserving one million acres of farm lands, open space, and conservation lands by 2009. §§ 113A-240, 241. However, the provisions of t..
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Town of Mamaroneck Conservation Areas Ordinance
Date Added: Sunday, May 7, 2017Open Space Preservation, Recreational Uses, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
New York
Municipal
Local Law No. 3-1966 of the Town of Mamaroneck details what types of places or areas within the Town amount to conservation areas. The several parts of § 77 explain what special regulations apply to such areas; § 77-17 sets out the penalty for noncompliance with the rules governing Conservation Areas in Mamaroneck...
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Town of Malta Open Space Development & Preservation Ordinance
Date Added: Saturday, May 6, 2017Affordable Housing , Clustering & Cluster Development, Open Space Preservation
New York
Municipal
This law was created for the purpose of requiring open space development for any subdivision of land 20 acres or greater within the Town of Malta. The goal of the law is to promote the better use of open spaces, recreational development, existing topography and natural features, design, and to provide for economics inherent with open space development. This law empowers the Planning Board of the Town of Malta, acting in a manner which would promote the above goals, to approve, approve with modifications or disapprove open space development pr..
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Town of Livonia Land Conservation Ordinance
Date Added: Saturday, May 6, 2017Erosion & Sedimentation Control, Floodplain Regulations, Historic Preservation, Open Space Preservation, Scenic Resources, Steep Slope Protection, Watershed Protection, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
New York
Municipal
This law outlines the Town’s procedure for creating Land Conservation Areas, and for protecting these areas from potentially harmful development. These areas were created on the basis of a soil and existing land use survey, and have been grouped in to seven categories, which include: natural forest/woodland, wetland, steep slope, floodplain, major scenic overlook, stream corridor, watershed and sites of historical/archaeological significance. ..
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Town of Irondequoit Open Space District Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, May 5, 2017Open Space Preservation, Recreational Uses, Zoning
New York
Municipal
Article XII, § 235 of the Town Code of Irondequoit creates an Open Space District for the purpose of preserving a suitable character and a stable environment for the establishment and maintenance of recreational and open space, and activities conducted within the Town. ..
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State of Illinois Conservation Area Zoning – Township Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, May 5, 2017Open Space Preservation, State Land Use Law, Zoning, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
Illinois
State
Under 60 ILL. COMP. STAT. 1/115-10 et seq. (2004), corporate township authorities are granted broad authority to establish subsidiary boards to study and make recommendations for the conservation of open space in order to “maintain or enhance the conservation of natural or scenic resources.” After such a board is established, a township board may acquire, designate, plan, and zone by ordinance areas to conserve open space and other natural resources, and promote sustainable development. A township may acquire land targeted for open space preser..
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Town of Greenburgh Subdivision Regulations
Date Added: Friday, May 5, 2017Open Space Preservation, Recreational Uses, Subdivision Regulations, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
New York
Municipal
Chapter 250 of Greenburgh’s Town Code regulates subdivisions. Among other requirements, the law forces the developer to provide land for recreation and open space within a subdivision...
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Town of Gardiner Open Space Development Ordinance
Date Added: Friday, May 5, 2017Development Standards, Open Space Preservation, Zoning
New York
Municipal
The Open Space Development ordinance implements procedures to allow for development of protected and preserved land, while preserving the natural attributes of the land. Conservation analysis shall take place to plan open space developments. Applicants must prepare inventory maps, surveys, topography maps, and descriptions of the land. Planning Board will make final determinations on the value of the lands preserved. ..
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Town of Eden Conservation Easements Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, May 4, 2017Land Acquisition, Open Space Preservation, Wildlife & Fish Habitat, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
New York
Municipal
Chapter 95 of the Town Code for the Town of Eden provides for the acquisition of interests or rights in real property to be used for the preservation of open space and areas which shall constitute a public purpose for which public funds may be expended or advanced after due notice and a public hearing by which the Town of Eden may acquire by purchase, gift, grant, bequest, devise, lease or otherwise the fee of any lesser interest, development right, easement, covenant or other contractual right necessary to acquire open space or open area. ..
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Village of Croton-on-Hudson Multiple Development Use District
Date Added: Wednesday, May 3, 2017Comprehensive Planning, Development Standards, Historic Preservation, Mixed/Multiple Use, Open Space Preservation, Scenic Resources, Site Design Standards, Site Plan Approval
New York
Municipal
This law creates guidelines for creating a multiple/mixed use district in the Village of Croton-on-Hudson. The law includes information such as: eligibility requirements, general conditions, permitted uses, site development standards, procedures for MDU designation and approval of site development plans, lapse of approval of site development plan, performance guaranty, phasing of development, amendment of site development plan, and revocation of MDU designation. ..
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Town of Clifton Park Open Space Incentive Zoning
Date Added: Monday, May 1, 2017Incentive Zoning, Open Space Preservation
New York
Municipal
This law gives the Town Board to grant incentives to private land developers to advance the town’s specific policies in accordance with the Town’s GEIS for the western lands of Clifton Park, the 2003 Comprehensive Plan update, the 2003 Open Space Plan, and in coordination with other community planning mechanisms or land use techniques. ..
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Town of Chili Agricultural Conservation District Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, May 1, 2017Accessory Uses , Open Space Preservation, Agriculture, Farmland Protection & Preservation
New York
Municipal
This law was created by the Town Board of Chili, NY, in an effort to protect agricultural lands within the town by creating the Agricultural Conservation District. The law describes: the accessory and conditional uses that are allowed, the dimension requirements for the district, incentive zoning requirements and other miscellaneous requirements needed to set up the district. ..
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Town of Cazenovia Lake Watershed Residential Use District
Date Added: Monday, May 1, 2017Development Standards, Open Space Preservation, Site Design Standards, Watershed Protection, Zoning, Wetlands & Watercourse Protection
New York
Municipal
§ 165-11 and § 165-12 of the Town Code for the Town of Cazenovia list several regulations that are designed to limit the use of the lake and the development of property around the lake. Buildings in the designated area around the lake, except for churches and schools, have height limits, and buildings and lots have minimum size requirements. No machinery, equipment, or vehicles used in a business can be stored outside. Boat houses cannot be used for residential purposes and are limited by size and structure requirements. Recreational use an..
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Town of Brookhaven Nature Preserves Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, May 1, 2017Open Space Preservation, Scenic Resources, Wildlife & Fish Habitat, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
New York
Municipal
The purpose of this law is to create nature preserves and to keep these areas in their existing natural or near natural state for the benefit of present and future Town residents. The law address such topics as the evaluation and dedication of parcels to nature preserve, management of nature preserves, volunteers, nature preserves designated on lands not owned by the Town, use of nature preserves, hours of operation, responsibility for loss, damage or theft, prohibitions, removal of all or portions of site from nature preserve, “Adopt-A-Preser..
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County of Maui Planned Development Ordinance
Date Added: Tuesday, April 18, 2017Open Space Preservation, Planned Development Districts, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
Hawaii
Municipal
Maui County Zoning Ordinances include provisions for Planned Development and Lot Reduction, Open Space Incentives, and Cluster Development Overlay Zones. Planned Development is intended to encourage better design and land use, protect the natural environment, minimize traffic congestion, and improve living conditions. At least 20% of Planned Developments must be preserved as protected open space and designed as a park-like area. Lot reductions of 20% and multi-unit buildings are permitted in these developments, specific numbers depending on und..
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County of San Juan Open Space & Conservation Plan
Date Added: Monday, April 17, 2017Open Space Preservation, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
Washington
Municipal
The San Juan County Open Space and Conservation plan is the result of an open space planning process, funded by San Juan County and The San Juan Preservation Trust. A primary goal of the plan is to identify and protect natural resources, with a focus on wildlife habitat. The plan proposes ways to implement five strategies of land conservation defined as information, education, incentives, regulation, and acquisition. ..
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County of Lexington-Fayette Greenspace Commission
Date Added: Sunday, April 16, 2017Open Space Preservation, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
Kentucky
Municipal
The urban county government of Lexington-Fayette has established a Greenspace Commission, which has been mandated to “(1) to develop a comprehensive open space plan and (2) to preserve, protect and enhance open space in the county”, and which is enabled to identify, for example, natural areas environmentally sensitive areas, and water resources and seeks to protect and preserve them and, where appropriate, to enhance them. In addition, the unique nature of this body has been the charge to “utilize and manage open space in a comprehensive and s..
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City of Decorah Conservation & Open Space Regulations
Date Added: Sunday, April 16, 2017Open Space Preservation, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
Iowa
Municipal
This ordinance was created to protect mature and young woodlands and prevent the ecological degradation of heavily wooded areas, as well as protect drainageways, wetlands, and soil erosion and sedimentation control...
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City of Knoxville Open Space Preservation District
Date Added: Thursday, April 13, 2017Open Space Preservation
Tennessee
Municipal
An Open Space Preservation District is established in the zoning code to provide areas in which the principal use of the land is devoted to open space and/or the preservation and protection of park and recreation lands, wilderness areas, beach and shoreline areas, scenic routes, wild and scenic rivers, historical and archaeological sites, watersheds and water supply areas, and wildlife and their habitats. Property classified under this district must meet the criteria set forth in the open space plan of the City of Knoxville and such property w..
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Town of North Castle Tree Preservation Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, April 13, 2017Open Space Preservation, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
New York
Municipal
The Town of North Castle finds and declares that the preservation of trees as defined below is necessary to protect the quality of life in the Town of North Castle because trees provide shade, impede soil erosion, aid water absorption and retention, inhibit excess runoff and flooding, and enhance the community in various other ways. ..
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Town of Irondequoit Open Space District Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, April 13, 2017Open Space Preservation
New York
Municipal
The Open Space (OS) District permits recreational and open space uses that serve the residents and visitors to the Town and that generally preserve and enhance the unique aesthetic and environmental qualities of open space areas. This Chapter presents articulates the numerous goals of this district...
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Town of Gardiner Permanent Open Space Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, April 13, 2017Open Space Preservation
New York
Municipal
The Permanent Open Space ordinance regulates the development, ownership, and maintenance of space/ land that has been set aside permanently for nonuse. The code ensures that permanent open space will comport with township rules and guidelines. The regulation provides for ownership of permanent open space by state and private owners. Open space protection provides for preservation of easements, roads, highways, and developments...
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National Model Conservation Easement
Date Added: Thursday, April 13, 2017Open Space Preservation
State: Not Applicable
U.S. Federal
This conservation easement is a model that demonstrates the necessary elements of a conservation easement. The sample was utilized by the Natural Lands Trust and its source is from The Conservation Easement Handbook: Managing Land Conservation and Historic Preservation Easement Programs (1988) compiled by the Trust for Public Land in conjunction with the Land Trust Alliance. This sample is discussed in the commentary Conservation Easements & Land Trusts: Overview, Examples and their Role in the Development Process, written by Sam Brown...
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Michigan Sample Conservation Easement
Date Added: Thursday, April 13, 2017Open Space Preservation
Michigan
State
This is a model conservation easement that demonstrates the necessary elements of a conservation easement. Particular sections are specific to Michigan, but the general format may be followed in other states. ..
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City of Ann Arbor Required Open Space Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, April 6, 2017Open Space Preservation, Wetlands & Watercourse Protection
Michigan
Municipal
The goal of this ordinance, in conjunction with Ann Arbor’s Natural Feature Open Space Ordinance, is to require wetland setbacks, which are not permitted under the state wetlands law...
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Village of Briarcliff Manor Conservation Development Ordinance
Date Added: Thursday, April 6, 2017Open Space Preservation, Scenic Resources, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation, Conservation Districts & Subdivisions
New York
Municipal
This law is designed to protect environmentally sensitive undeveloped areas, within the Village of Briarcliff Manor, from harmful development practices. To this end, the Board of Trustees authorizes the village Planning Board to approve conservation subdivisions, according to procedures outlined in the law. ..
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City of Decorah Conservation & Open Space (COS) Regulations
Date Added: Thursday, March 16, 2017Open Space Preservation, Natural Resource Protection & Conservation
Iowa
Municipal
This ordinance was created to protect mature and young woodlands and prevent the ecological degradation of heavily wooded areas, as well as protect drainageways, wetlands, and soil erosion and sedimentation control...
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City of Albuquerque Land Acquisition Ordinance
Date Added: Monday, October 17, 2016Land Acquisition, Open Space Preservation
New Mexico
Municipal
This plan allows a percentage of impact fees on new development in Bernalillo County within a five mile radius of the Albuquerque border to be collected and used for purchase of open space within this buffer zone...
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Township of Readington Open Space Trust Fund
Date Added: Monday, October 17, 2016Land Acquisition, Open Space Preservation
New Jersey
Municipal
This ordinance authorizes the creation of an open space fund into which the dedication of $.02 per $100 of assessed valuation of annual taxes. The funds are to be used for the acquisition of open space. The fund also permits the acceptance of donations and testamentary bequests to this fund. ..
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Town of Bedford Community Preservation Ordinances
Date Added: Monday, October 17, 2016Land Acquisition, Open Space Preservation
Massachusetts
Municipal
Bedford’s Community Preservation Ordinances adopt the Massachusetts General Law Ch 44B, Community Preservation Act. Article 2 levies a 3% property tax surcharge, to be set aside for activities outlined in the Community Preservation Act, including open space preservation; and Article 6 establishes a Community Preservation Committee. The Community Preservation Act is a state law designed to encourage open space preservation by authorizing communities to raise funds through a property tax surcharge, as well as offering potential matching state fu..
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Town of Guilford Plan for Open Space and Municipal Land Needs
Date Added: Monday, October 17, 2016Land Acquisition, Open Space Preservation
Connecticut
Municipal
This ordinance provides a comprehensive approach to land acquisition. The community looks at the needs of the town in terms of open space protection, passive recreation, active recreation, and municipal facilities to help plan for the future...
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County of Westchester Model Conservation Easement
Date Added: Monday, March 21, 2016Open Space Preservation
New York
Municipal
This conservation easement is a model that demonstrates the necessary elements of a conservation easement. There is an introductory commentary written by the Westchester Land Trust that explains some of the key provisions that are necessary in the terms of the agreement. There are also explanations of key elements and requirements particular to New York. This sample is discussed in the commentary Conservation Easements & Land Trusts: Overview, Examples and their Role in the Development Process, written by Sam Brown...
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Model Active Use Conservation Easement for Western United States
Date Added: Monday, March 21, 2016Open Space Preservation
State: Not Applicable
U.S. Federal
This conservation easement is a model that demonstrates the necessary elements of a conservation easement, specifically the easement address provisions that may be relevant for properties that intend to stay as working farms or ranches. The source of this sample is the Red Lodge Clearinghouse, which seeks to resolve resource conflicts in the western U.S. ..
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Town of Bolton Open Space Preservation, Acquisition, and Conservation Ordinance
Date Added: Wednesday, October 21, 2015Open Space Preservation, Agriculture
Connecticut
Municipal
The open space preservation conservation development regulations call for the location of any development to occur on the least fertile agricultural soils...
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