Agenda - 03-03-2009 - 7a - Laserfiche WebLink

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• PLANNING PROJECT PROPOSAL #8 November 2008 Lead Department: Planning & inspections Primary Contact(s): Craig Benedict (245-2592) Departmental Interaction: Environment& Resource Conservation Department(ERCD) and County Attorney Subject: Upper Eno Conservation Area Background The 2008 Comprehensive Plan Update, as well as the Efland-Mebane Small Area Plan (SAP), has identified the need to examine present watershed classifications, future reservoir sites (if any), and preservation of critical mass.environmental areas. This latter subject is further developed in concept by the Lands Legacy Action Plan. issue • A 1987 engineering study noted the potential of a Seven Mile Creek Reservoir located southeast of Efland and southwest of the Town of Hillsborough. This was the basis of critical area watershed zoning overlay boundaries adopted in 1994. This designation of zoning overlay (Upper Eno Critical) lowers impervious percentage, restricts certain-land uses, and lowers density (1 dwelling unit per 2 acres). These regulatory programs help maintain water quality that flows into the nearby Eno River Town of Hillsborough public water supply intake at Lake Ben Johnson. Orange County has purchased environmental lands in the Seven Mile Creek area. Proposal Depending on the Board of County Commissioner policy making, the value of holding a. critical area designation over the study area of Seven Mile Creek Reservoir area may be waning. This is due to supplementary countywide water resource planning and sustainability efforts. However, retaining a new 'conservation area' in a more defined area to protect environmental resources in this bottomland area may be prudent. A land use map amendment with a concurrent zoning overlay amendment would be suggested. • ProcesslTimefrarne The Planning Department could work with ERCD, the County Attorney's office, and a small workgroup of the Planning Board and Commission for the Environment (CfE) members. This group could develop the proposal and bring recommendations to the public in the spring of 2009,followed by a public hearing in May 2009.