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PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDMENT
Title:
Promoting Native Vegetation in PUDs
WHEREAS, Cook County recognizes that a variety of landscapes add diversity and richness to the quality of life and there is an intrinsic value in the preservation, restoration and management of native plant habitat; and
WHEREAS, Cook County also recognizes the practical value of native plants which provide a beautiful, hardy, drought resistant, low maintenance landscape while benefiting the environment; and
WHEREAS, Native plants, once established, save time and money by eliminating or significantly reducing the need for fertilizers, pesticides, water and lawn maintenance equipment; and
WHEREAS, Native plants produce long root systems that help hold soil in place and protect water quality by controlling soil erosion and moderating floods and droughts; and
WHEREAS, Native plants provide shelter and food for wildlife attracting a variety of birds, butterflies, and other animals by providing diverse habitats and food sources while closely mowed lawns are of little use to most wildlife; and
WHEREAS, Native plants promote biodiversity and stewardship of our natural heritage and is increasingly important as we continue to lose native habitat. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency there are approximately 20 million acres of lawn cultivated in the U.S., covering more land than any single crop. Lawns may look neat and attractive, but they are basically deserts in regard to biodiversity. Native plants are a part of our natural heritage and natural landscaping is an opportunity to reestablish diverse native plants; and
WHEREAS, Cook County recognizes the need to increase biodiversity in urban and suburban areas and promoting native vegetation will help to accomplish this; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, by the Cook County Board of Commissioners that the Cook County Code, Part II, Article 9.0 shall be amended as follows:
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BE IT ORDAINED, by the Cook County Board of Commissioners, that Appendix A Zoning, Article 9 Planned Unit Development, Sec. 9.0 of the Cook County Code is hereby amended as Follows:
Sec. 9.0 Purpose.
The primary purpose of a planned unit development is to insure that developments are consistent with the intent purpose and policies of the Cook County Comprehensive land Use and Policies Plan. It is intended that the PUD will encourage innovative land planning, architecture, landscape architecture and site amenities beyond that which would be possible through strict application of the Cook County Zoning Ordinance of 2001. The PUD shall work in conjunction with the Cook County Building and Environmental Ordinance (Chapter 30 of the code), the Cook County Subdivision Manual the Cook County Flood Prevention Ordinance and the Cook County Comprehensive Land Use and Policies Plan.
The PUD shall provide for preservation of natural site amenities such as vegetation, of which 75% percent or more shall to comprised of native plants, topography and other unique physical site characteristics, the creation of urban amenities, the creation of additional open space and generally the design and development of unique, high quality projects.
The PUD provides for projects with either a single type of land use or a variety of land uses developed as a unified project.
Effective date: This ordinance shall be in effect immediately upon adoption.end