Staff: protected-species survey found about 75 gopher tortoise burrows; relocation and management plan required

During the Aug. 20 hearing, county planner Mary Sugov said the applicant provided the required protected‑species survey and supporting environmental maps, and that staff added conditions to address protected-species concerns. Sugov reported the survey found potentially 75 occupied gopher tortoise burrows on the property and noted the existing plat identifies lot 27 as a gopher tortoise preserve.

"The protected species survey, um, has indicated that there are potentially, uh, 75 occupied gopher turtis burrows on the property," Sugov said. Staff recommended that before any removal of the preserve designation or relocation could occur the applicant must provide a protected-species management plan and obtain a vegetation-removal/relocation permit pursuant to the plan. The applicant said it sought flexibility to convert the preserve lot to a buildable lot after relocation, but staff tied conversion to documented compliance with the management plan and permitting.