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Home My WebLink About02-21-2025 Environmental Inspection MemoFebruary 21, 2025 Ameron Homes, Inc. 519 S Easy St Sebastian, FL 32958 Re: Subject Site: Municipality: Parcel ID: Size; Dear Ameron Homes, Environmental Inspection Memo 45 Ashbury- Blvd City of Sebastian; Indian River County, FL 31390700000300000009.3 t 3.70 ac. �4 3Y: Apex Biological Services, LLC (ABS) was contracted to conduct a site assessment in support of the proposed development at the above referenced location. located within the City of Sebastian; Indian River County, Florida (Figures 1, 2). The purpose of this assessment is to evaluate any potential environmental constraints to the proposed development activity; focusing exclusively on protected resources and protected species_ This assessment is based on information obtained during site inspection as well as review of available desktop research material. Several site visits were performed during the month of December 2024_ All associated figures and tables are provided in the report Appendices. VEGETATIVE Using the Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC) cooperative land classification (CLC) as a guideline, ABS categorized the different natural communities and land uses numbers. The on -site vegetative communities Scrub (1200) and High Pine and Scrub (1210). 1200 Scrub 1210 High Pine and Scrub on the subject site according to designations or code observed are best classified and currently mapped as 45 Ashbury Blvd; Ameron Homes, Inc. Page 2 Site Inspection Report Vegetation observed in this area included saw palmetto (Serena repens), rusty staggerbush (Lyonia femtginea), myrtle oak (Quercus myrri, folia), slash pine (Pints elliotrii), sand pine (Pines clausa), red cedar (Juniperus virginiana), winged sumac (Rhos copallinum), hogplum (Prunus umbellata), sand live oak (Quercus geminata), deer moss (Cladina spp.), sand chord grass (Spartina bakeri), grapevine (Nibs spp), greenbriar (Smilax spp.), and prickly pear (Opunda spp.). Very limited bare ground was observed. PROTECTED RESOURCES Wetlands are areas that are inundated or saturated by surface water or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support adapted vegetation, hydrologic indicators, or hydric soil indicators within the soil. Definitions for occurrence over landscapes are outlined in 62-330 F.A.C. (Florida Administrative Code) and are under the jurisdiction of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). The agency has no jurisdiction over upland areas. These potentials for jurisdiction have been illustrated as they present on site (Figure 4) however the limits of potential wetlands or surface waters can only be definitively determined and verified during the permitting review process with the respective agencies. PROTECTED SPECIES An assessment for protected fauna and floral species wa: conducted at the site during the month of December 2024. The survey covered the majority of the subject site's development area, and included both direct observations and indirect evidence, such as tracks, burrows, and sounds that indicate the presence of species observed. Several online mapping resources were also utilized to identify known locations of certain protected species populations. The assessment focused on species that have the potential to occur in Indian River County (Table 1). Evidence of one (1) such species, the gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus), was observed and described below. Additionally, descriptions for particular documented wildlife within the surrounding area, past or present, are presented as well. Gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) State Listed as "Threatened " by FWC Currently the gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is classified as "Threatened" by FWC. The basis of this classification for the gopher tortoise is due to habitat loss and destruction of burrows. Gopher tortoises are commonly found in areas with well -drained soils associated with xeric pine -oak hammock, scrub, pine flatwoods, pastures and abandoned orange groves. The subject property was surveyed for the existence of gopher tortoises. The survey covered 100% of suitable habitat within the subject parcel as well as area adjacent to the development footprint boundaries. A total of nine (9) potentially occupied active/inactive gopher tortoise burrows were observed. Additionally, a total of three (3) mammalian burrows were observed as well (Figure 5). Apex Biological Services, LLC • 8755 92n' Ct • Vero Beach, Florida 32967 Office: (772) 204-0067 • Email: Info(daoex-biolonlcal.com 45 Ashbury BW, Ameron homes.. hie. Site Inspection Report USFWS CONSULTATION AREAS Page 3 The USFWS has established "consultation areas" for certain listed species. Generally, these consultation areas only become an issue if USFWS consultation is required, which is usually associated with permitting through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) or St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD). The reader should be aware that species presence and need for additional review are often determined to be unnecessary early in the permit review process due to lack of appropriate habitat, location, or other conditions (project size being a significant factor as well). However, the USFWS makes the final determination. The additional review typically includes the application of species -specific criteria to rule -out or confirm the presence of the species in question. Such criteria might consist of a simple review for critical habitat types. In other cases, the review might include the need for species -specific surveys using established methodologies that have been approved by the USFWS. The following paragraphs include a list of the USFWS Consultation Areas associated with the subject site for potential upland habitats. Florida Scrub -Jay (Aphelocoma coermlescens) Federally Listed as "Threatened" by USF W The subject site falls within the USFWS Consultation Area for the Florida Scrub -Jay. Currently the Florida Scrub -Jay is listed as "Threatened" by the USFWS. They avoid wetlands and forests, including canopied sand pine stands. Optimal Scrub -Jay habitat is dominated by shrubby scrub, live oaks, myrtle oaks, or scrub oaks from l to 3 m (3 to 10 ft.) tall, covering 50 to 90 % the area; bare ground or sparse vegetation less than 15 cm (6 in) tall covering 10 to 50°/o of the area; and scattered trees with no more than 20% canopy cover (Fitzpatrick et al. 1991). There have been several documented Florida Scrub -Jay sightings historically in the area surrounding the subject property. This available USFWS survey data has not been updated since 1993. A very limited amount of sub -optimal Type II habitat exists within the subject property. Type II habitat is described as any property having greater than zero (0) but less than fifteen (15) percent coverage of scrub oak species. These areas present as predominately partial remnant scrub habitat that exists within the center of the subject parcel continuing offsite however it is significantly overgrown. The Florida Scrub -Jay has been known to continue to utilize areas with surrounding human development however no Florida Scrub -Jays were observed within the subject site during the cursory wildlife survey. The City of Sebastian may require additional determination or consultation with regards to the Florida Scrub -Jay. Apex Biological Services, LLC • 8755 92n° Ct ° Vero Beach, Florida 32967 Office: 1772) 204-0067 • Email: mfo(daoex-biolonical.com 45 Ashbory Blvd, Ameron Homes, Inc. Page 4 Site Inspection Report DEVELOPMENT CONSTRAINTS Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC) Gopher tortoises, as well as their burrows, are afforded legal protections from any ground breaking activities as per 68A-27 F.A.C. (Florida Administrative Code). If impacts to protected burrows within the subject property cannot be avoided by 25' then, in accordance with the FWC Gopher Tortoise Permitting Guidelines, it is expected that permitting will be required at that time. Such permits and procedures can typically be accommodated for approximately $1,500.00. This does not include costs associated with required trenched silt fence installation around the development limits or potential per capture offsite relocation recipient site costs. A secondary and separate per capture charge would only be required should impacts to the entire property be necessary. At the time of this report this charge is currently $5,500.00 per adult captured tortoise (carapace length greater than 220mm). Burrows have an average occupancy rate that varies between .5 and .66 per burrow. It may be anticipated that there are between four (3) and six (6) adult tortoises at any given time within the subject property or within two (2) near offsite burrows to the west. Based upon review of the most recent site plan, proposed property utilization, and landscape buffer impact requirements spatial limitation presently would not support onsite relocation as a feasible and less costly method to address this concern. if development does not occur within a reasonable time frame (90 days) an updated survey and reassessment will be required. Additionally, it is not only recommended but will be required that the subject property be immediately silt fenced following land clearinglexcavation since offsite migration from the western adjacent property is a concern. Local Municipalities Coordination with the City of Sebastian and Indian River County will be required. Additional requirements may be imposed pertaining to tree protection code or the Florida Scrub -Jay. Apex Biological Services, LLC • 8755 92nO Cl • Vero Beach, Florida 32967 Office: (772) 204-0067 0 Email: IntoZaoex-bioloalcal.com 45.4shbray Bh d- Ameron Homes, Inc. Site Inspection Report Page 5 The environmental limitations described in this document are based on observations and technical information available on the date of the on -site evaluation. This report is for general planning purposes only. The limits of any on -site wetlands/surface waters can only be determined and verified through field delineation and/or on -site review by the pertinent regulatory agencies. Should you have any questions or require any additional information please contact me at (772) 204-0067. Thank you. Regards, Mark Laf irno Staff Biologist Apex Biological Services, LLC • 8755 82n° Ct • Vero Beach, Florida 32867 Office: (772) 204-0067 0 Email: into(Maoex-bloloalcal.com 45 Ashbwy Blvd; Ameron Homes, lnc. Site Inspection Repor7 Appendices Page 6 Apex Biological Services, LLC • 6756 92n° Ct • Vero Beach, Florida 32967 Office: (772) 204-0067 • Email: info0aoex-bioloaical.com Subject Site (± 3.70 Ac.) Figure 1: Location Map Subject Site d N 45 Ashbury Blvd Al City of Sebastian Indian River County 01 . , - m =fi . c I lJ .lid• r" �, - •r 1 1% ® Subject Site (± 3.70 Ac.) FWC CLC Code 1200, High Pine and Scrub 1 1210, Scrub +. t. n p X a" z r y if Figure 3: 45 Ashbury Blvd F11AI Land Classification City of Sebastian A Map { ` ZO 6U 126 Indian River County Date: 12/1712024 4 Figure 4: Hydric Map C w 40 N In l] Subject Site (± 3.70 Ac.) Potential Potential Upland (± 3.70 Ac.) Potential Wetland (± 0.0 Ac.) N 45 Ashbury Blvd A City of Sebastian Indian River County Date: 1211712024 0 Or 0 C1 Subject Site (± 3.70 Ac.) Class, Status * Potentially Occupied, Active (7) Potentially Occupied, Inactive (2) 81 Mammalian, Mammalian (3) i L K .y .�r .� I': •a� , _ -IS .7 Figure 5: Wildlife Survey Map N 45 Ashbury Blvd A City of Sebastian Indian River County Date: 12/17/2024 Table 1 Indian River County - Protected Species List Species Name Scientific Name Sederal Habitat Red -cockaded woodpecker Picoides borealis Endangered Open stands of pines, with a minimum age of 80 to 120 years Ivory -billed Campephllus Endangered age, contiguous forests with numerous large trees, with some woodpecker principalis stage of decay present Mycteria Marshes, swamps, lagoons, ponds, Wood stork Threatened flooded fields; nests in cypress americans swamps Audubon's crested Polyborus plancus Threatened Dry prairies with scattered cabbage caracara audubond palms Piping Plover Charadrius Threatened Sand dunes, shorelines, and melodus coastlines areas in general Aphelocoma Oak scrub on white, drained sand, Florida scrub }ay coendescens Threatened and in open areas without a dense canopy Breeds in drier tundra areas, such as sparsely vegetated hillsides; Red knot Calidris canutus Threatened outside of breeding season, it is rufa found primarily in intertidal, marine habitats, especially near coastal inlets, estuaries, and bays Cerelrs Open coastal hammocks and shell Fragrant prickly- eri. Endangered middens of Florida's east coast; apple �hgrss Aar scrubby flatwoods, maritime and Xerlc hammocks Dicerandra Small sandhills (the remnants of Lakela's mint immaculata Endangered ancient coastal dunes) with sand pine scrub vegetation Rhizomatous seagrass forming low Johnson's seagrass Halophila Thrtenmats either in pure stands or with johnsonii�� shoalgrass in intertidal areas (6" to 6' depth) Generally, heavily forested areas in lowlands and swamps and areas with adequate deer or wild hog population; also, tropical Puma concolor hammocks, pine flatwoods, Florida panther Endangered cabbage palm forests, nixed CO�'r swamp, Ypres swamp, cypress sw � live oak � hammocks, sewgmss marshes, and Brazilian pepper thickets; depends on large contiguous blocks of wooded habitat Associated generally with Puma (Delis) mountainous or remote concolor (all Similarity of undisturbed areas; may occupy Puma subsp. except Appearance wide variety of habitats: swamps, eoryi) (Threatened) riparian woodlands, broken country with good cover of brush or woodland Species Name I Scientific Name Federal Status Habitat Peromyscus Areas consisting of sea oats and Southeastern beach polionotus Threatened associated dune systems with mouse niveiventris grasses, open sandy areas, and scattered shrubs Generally mesic flatwoods, upland Eastern indigo Drymarchon Threatened pine forest, sandhills, and scrubby snake corgis couperi f1atwoods; commonly associated n ith gopher tortoise burrows Brackish and salt marshes, shallow Atlantic salt marsh Nerodia Threatened tidal creeks and pools, often in snake clarkii taeniata association with glasswort and fiddler crab burrows Found in coastal areas and river American crocodile Crocodylus aeutus Threatened systems but prefer brackish lakes, mangrove swamps, lagoons, cays, and small islands Fresh and brackish marshes, ponds, Similarity of lakes, rivers, swamps, bayous, American alligator Alligator Appearance canals, and -large spring runs; often mississippierrsis (Threatened) bask on partially submerged logs or on land next to the water Gopher tortoise Gophe,vs Candidate Favors dry sandy ridges with well polyphemus drained sandy soil Miami blue C Wargus thomasi Endangered Tropical coastal hammocks, scrub. butterfly bethunebakeri and pine rocklands Indian River County, FL Property taxes are subject to change upon change of ownership. • Past tames are not a reliable projection of future taxes. • The sale of a property will pi on the removal *fall exemptions. assessment caps, acid special classif ciations. Parcel5ummary Parcel ID 313 r .I,.. YY•.3000000093 Prop lD 31489 Lotion Address 45ASHBURYBLYD SEBASTIAN. FL 32958 NeWthortaod City Seb W US3/512/Per M&B (990VA.00) MarketArea 99 Property Use Code Vacant Commercial (1000) Seclry AMM 07-31-39 Tax District 26 SEBASTIAN - RMEVELDPMENT DISTRICT 2 Map Rate 16.2W9 Ao cage &76 Homestead N i lap I riving Oirrction: (c,��j�n�), Legal Description Owner Information Primary Owner Brognano WElliarn PO Box 780874 Sebastian. FL 32976 AddltlonalOwner BrogromTodd PO Box780874 Sebastian, FL32978 Homestead Application I 1 Change of Address Application Valuation =24 Certified Values 2023 Certifred Values 2022 Certified Vahos W21 Cerditcd Values 2020 Certified Values Improvement Value $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Land Value $438.535 $438.535 $438,535 $438.535 $438.535 Land Agricultural Value $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Agrk uMn-A (Market) Value $0 $0 $0 $o $0 Just (Market) Value $438.535 $438AW $438,S3S $4_38,535 $43MM Assessed Value $224.211 $203.828 $185.298 $168A53 $153.139 Exempt Value $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Taxable Value $224.211 $203.828 $185,298 $168A53 $151139 Maximum Save Our Homes Portability $214.324 $234,707 $253,237 $270.082 $285.396 Taxes $4A85.16 $4,663-45 $4.454.12 $4.46"S $4.404-38 'Just (Market) Value description - This is the value established by the Property Appraiser for ad valorem purposes. This value does not represent anticipated selling price. Historical Valuation Land Information Code Land Use DI Amenity A.. Square Feet Act.Fronlage Eft Frontage Depth Zoning S VCom-Prime RtkAVt-EcoSa T-TWicalinteriorske 3,76 163785 0 0 0 CG Sales Instrument Sale Data Sale Price instrument Description Book Page VaanUlmproved 8/22/2018 $152," WD Warranty Deed 3143 0625 Vacant 10/1/2009 $160.000 WD Warranty Deed 2374 2177 Vacant 7/1/2008 $100 W9 Warranty Deed Clear Title 2277 1149 Vacant 11/1/2003 $100,000 WD Warranty Deed 1654 74B Vacant Map Grantor DnktoOfadal Records LUNENBURG PROPERTIES LLC HERON CREST DEVELOPMENT CORP 'CLARK DEVELOPMENT COMPANY 17-1 CLARK DEVELOPMENT COM PANY IF lies).nrrwrb. toe Ia.III:n. dpis.l to Usam+la andmaids vI uve III of ugucamxd a, an urrcc -r rmisv mshide. �aL nur s.arzs'.rkd th�i;11•ra of tc-c tan' Sne rxi a ILark dar sysierr. hxlia-a Rlvcc Prepetl r ApP•a rr-;naK ne warvantYerpnsr d n,!.I.d na� dora tt*fad ct abhtIAM wnttilalc ;i ch a wnrranly. rro !hoehnir;.t:,dew.rildrzx uiimlCroY/tY. cofnulr snnderi rctn-ced i+dz County ClerkiaTttw Comp Search (Commercial) Comp Search (Vacant) No eat: "&liable for the following modules: Building Information, Sub Area, Extra Features, Perati Sketches. 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