(August 16, 2021) The Kalamazoo City Commission approved to expand the parcels of land to be protected under the Natural Features Protection Ordinance to neaerly 1500. After numerous public hearings and adjustments this new map will protect many new areas and increase the protected areas around Asylum Lake. The NFP overlay district does not stop development, redevelopment or improvements to existing buildings. It requires things such as new buildings and parking lots to be set back from lakes and rivers. It allows, but puts limits on, land clearing and also prohibits planting problematic invasive plants and protects steep slopes to prevent erosion.