A. 
The Conservancy District is established to preserve and perpetuate the open state of certain areas such as low land swamps, marshes and wetlands, floodplains and stream beds, slopes, bluffs, wooded areas, native or restored prairie, parks, passive recreation areas, wildlife habitat and other areas of ecological, scenic or recreational value which, because of their unique physical features or location, are deemed desirable to be retained for the benefit of this and future generations.
B. 
The Conservancy District is intended to be limited by structural development in order to preserve the natural character of the land and for its value to wildlife, water conservation, flood control, forestry and other purposes of this district that are appropriate to the physical characteristics of the land.
C. 
Regulations of the Conservancy District are intended not only to preserve and perpetuate open space land and water areas consistent with the intent and purpose of this chapter, but also to protect the community and Town from costs and consequences which may be incurred when unsuitable development occurs in such areas.
Permitted uses are as follows:
A. 
Open space.
B. 
Public parks, picnic areas and passive recreational uses.
C. 
Botanical garden or similar outdoor exhibits and scientific plant study.
D. 
Interpretive and/or research center for historical, natural or social sciences.
E. 
Essential services.
A. 
Lot area and width.
(1) 
Lots shall have a minimum of three acres.
(2) 
Lots shall not be less than 66 feet in width at the front yard setback line (or 33 feet for parcels on the bulb of a cul-de-sac).
B. 
Yards.
(1) 
A minimum front yard setback of 75 feet from the road right-of-way (100 feet from a collector or sub-collector road) shall be required.
(2) 
A minimum side yard setback of 20 feet from the lot line shall be required.
(3) 
A minimum rear yard setback of 20 feet from the lot line shall be required.
C. 
Building height and area.
(1) 
No buildings or parts of a building shall exceed 35 feet in height.
(2) 
Minimum natural area is 65%.
(3) 
Maximum impervious surface is 10%.
D. 
Structural limitations.
(1) 
Accessory uses or structures incidental and subordinate in area, extent and purpose to the principal land conservation use.
(a) 
Signs as permitted in Chapter 156.
(b) 
Roads and parking to serve on-site uses.
(2) 
Building coverage, maximum: 5,500 square feet.
A. 
Conservation is permitted within all districts.
B. 
Property owners may rezone into the Conservancy District with approval of a petition for amendment to the Chapter 170 Zoning Map.
C. 
This Conservancy District is not the conservation easement program nor limited to open space designations under Town of St. Joseph Chapter 168, Subdivision of Land.