§ 6.701. Purpose.

The purpose of the conservation open space (COS) district is to protect and conserve significant natural and visual resources in the city, and to promote the public health, safety, and welfare by providing land use controls for those areas set aside for open spaces. In general, land proposed to be rezoned COS contains environmental conditions that are constraints to development, but these conditions are assets to the community if left undisturbed. Specifically, COS is intended to:

A.

Conserve significant natural features and open spaces, such as major rock outcrops and boulder fields, major ridges and peaks, mountains, prime wash habitats, and valuable vegetation specimens.

B.

Conserve the character of the natural desert and provide opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, bicycling, and desert tours in a natural setting.

C.

Assure the continued existence of adequate wildlife habitat and foster the free movement of wildlife within the district.

D.

Promote a continued economic benefit to the region by protecting natural open space areas for the visual and recreational enjoyment of residents and visitors.

E.

Provide a mechanism for recognizing and protecting private and public lands that have been designated for conservation by the property owner.

(Ord. No. 2275, § 1, 1-16-90; Ord. No. 4005, § 1(Res. No. 8947, Exh. A, § 168), 4-3-12; Ord. No. 4143, § 1(Res. No. 9678, Exh. A, § 142), 5-6-14)