Irvine Municipal Code Ch. 8-16 Open Space Management and Conservation Plan (osmcp)

The open space management and conservation plan (OSMCP) shall be utilized as the primary biotic implementation document for establishing compliance with biotic policies identified in biotic resources objective L-2(a) and L-2(b) of the conservation and open space element of the General Plan, the timing and phasing of mitigation measures, and the responsibilities for implementing mitigation measures. This plan shall be prepared in conjunction with a concept plan and/or zone change application and in accordance with the City's guidelines for open space management and conservation plan reports. In addition, the plan will address "transition zones" as described below.

A. At the boundary between development and preservation areas, transition zones of variable width will be defined in the open space management and conservation plan (OSMCP) where landscaping, fuel modification, and/or grading are proposed in conjunction with development. Where appropriate, the OSMCP will also establish landscaping, grading and/or maintenance guidelines to mitigate any adverse development impacts on preservation area lands to be conveyed. The OSMCP may also contain procedures for the conveyance of land and/or easements at subsequent levels of development approval pursuant to the implementation action program.

B. Compatibility techniques. These techniques are methods of landscaping transition zones and/or development areas which allows development to interface with conservation and open space areas in a manner which mitigates adverse impacts on preservation areas to be conveyed. Typically these techniques are employed in transition zone areas and allow for the potential and continued use of habitat and wildlife areas.

C. Fuel modification zones. These zones are defined as areas adjacent to development that utilize a graduated clearing of vegetation and selected plant palettes to reduce fuel loads.

D. Plant palettes. The plant palettes utilized in the transition and fuel modification zones should be selected for the following characteristics: drought tolerance, wildlife food value, fuel loading and slope stabilization.

E. Public trails. Public access shall be provided, where appropriate, adjacent to development areas abutting the trail and in accordance with adopted biking, hiking and equestrian trail Master Plans.

F. Maintenance responsibility. The transition and fuel modification zones will be maintained by the appropriate property and/or homeowners' associations and/or maintenance district.

(Code 1976, § V.E-713; Ord. No. 92-3, 4-14-92; Ord. No. 94-7, § 3, 6-14-94)