Santa Fe Establishment of Santa Fe Development and Design Standards

This rule establishes the Development and Design Standards for Santa Fe. The purposes of these standards are to: (1)provide proper standards that ensure a high quality appearance of the Santa Fe area and promote good design while also allowing individuality, creativity and artistic expression;(2)encourage the proper use of the land by promoting an appropriate balance between the built environment and the preservation of open space and natural environmental resources;(3)protect private and public investment through preservation of open space , protection of natural resources, including the existing tree canopy; providing buffers between incompatible uses and along roadways; and encouraging the planting of appropriate vegetation;(4)preserve and protect the identity and character of Santa Fe, and enhance the business economy; and(5)promote water conservation and efficiency through preserving natural areas, encourage good soil management and encourage the use of native or drought tolerant plant materials.(6)ensure compliance with the city’s obligations to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Phase II permittee.