26.02.100 Data maps.
(1) Critical areas shall be designated on a series of data maps and contain the best available graphic depiction of critical areas. These maps are for information and illustrative purposes only and are not regulatory in nature. Copies of these maps shall be available for public reference at the Town Clerk’s office.
(2) The critical areas data map is intended to alert the development community, appraisers, and current and prospective property owners of a potential encounter with a use or development limiting factor based on the natural systems. The presence of a critical area or resource designation on the data maps is sufficient foundation for the designated Town official to order an analysis of the factor(s) identified prior to acceptance of a development application as being complete and ready for processing under the applicable provisions, sections, and chapters of the Garfield Municipal Code.
(3) Interpretation of Data Maps.
(a) The designated Town Building Official or designee is hereby declared the administrator of this chapter for the purpose of interpreting data maps. An affected property owner or other party with standing has a right to appeal the administrative determination to the Town Council.
The data maps are to be used as a general guide to the location and extent of critical areas. Critical areas indicated on the data maps are presumed to exist in the locations shown and are protected under all the provisions of this chapter. The exact location of critical areas shall be determined by the applicant as a result of field investigations performed by qualified professionals using the definitions found in this chapter. All development applications are required to show the boundary(s) of all critical areas on a scaled drawing prior to the development application being considered “complete” for processing purposes.
(4) Application of Data Maps. The conclusion of the administrative authority that a parcel of land or a part of parcel of land that is the subject of a proposed development application is within the boundary(ies) of one or more critical areas as shown on the data maps, shall serve as cause for additional investigation and analysis to be conducted by the applicant. The site-specific analysis shall be limited to those critical areas indicated on the data maps. In the event of multiple designations, the Town will address each subject matter independently and collectively for the purpose of determining development limitations and appropriate mitigating measures. (Ord. 474-N, §2, 2020; Ord. 338-N, §2, 2007)