Agenda - 02-22-1999 - 1a - Laserfiche WebLink

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inclined to approve it. By like token, they are not seeking to put a paper processing plant on this property because, although the market place might be willing to support that use, the jurisdiction would not. They are asking for a change in residential zoning from R -1 to R -3. This is a change that they believe the market will accept as the highest and best use for the property. The market will buy houses in this location and in the proposed price range on lots of this proposed size at a pace that will justify the cost of the improvements and the development risks required to produced the project. They also believe that their request is absolutely,in keeping with objectives of Orange County. He then read,as follows from the Comprehensive Plan. oAmong the purposes of the Comprehensive Plan is the desire to minimize the existing energy inefficient and land consuming pattern of rural sprawl. The Land Use Element is premised on two basic strategies. - activity nodes and infill development. Unlike the rural areas, these urban areas are presently served, or are scheduled to be served, by municipal water and sewer systems and contain other urban support services which allow for higher density, higher intensity development patterns. The infill development strategy is premised on the desirability of encouraging . development to occur first within the corporate limits of the towns and then, when appropriate, within those areas surrounding the towns which are in transition from rural to urban development patterns. The achievement of a higher rate of infill development than experienced in the past requires a combination of incentives and disincentives to development activity which include, but are not limited to Allowing higher densities and intensity of land uses within urban areas and urbanizing areas Allowing only low intensity uses outside of these areas Streamlining development review processes for high intensity uses Requiring development standards in transition areas similar to those in urban areas, and Phased extension of urban services. The successful achievement of the infill policy would result in more compact and efficient urban form, lead to reduced transportation and energy cost, reduce public services cost, and minimize the conversion of agricultural land to urban uses as a result of development pressures.o He stated that this related to Lawrence Park and the proposal before the Board of County Commissioners in the following ways: This is clearly an,infill location. They are surrounded on all sides by existing residential development. Further, the area of Lawrence Park itself was placed in a 20 -year transition area in the Comprehensive Plan. He pointed out the Lawrence Park area on the map. There are existing residential areas both to the west and to the south in the 10 -year transition zone. He then read again from the Comprehensive Plan for a definition of the 20 -year transition zone. oThe 20 year transition area is land located in areas that are in the process of changing from rural to urban, that are suitable for urban type densities and should be. provided with public utilities and services within the second 10 year phase of the plan.o He noted that the Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 1981, which would suggest that Lawrence Park is right on schedule. The Comprehensive Plan further defines the characteristics of these transition zones', relative to eleven criteria, all of which he felt were as strongly, or more strongly met, in 1998 than they were in 1981. These criteria include, °_ Land slope - There are no significant slope or topographical problems that would unreasonably increase the cost of extending water and sewer lines. There is no such problem at Lawrence Park that the development itself is not willing to deal with. ° Hydrology - It is located outside of the 100- yearflood prone areas as identified by the Core of Engineers. There is no problem in the development of Lawrence Park in terms of avoiding and having no development contact with these areas, if they in fact exist on the property. °_ Flora and Fauna - Located away from sites, which would, if developed, create a threat to unique and endangered species as identified by the State and Federal government. There are no such species identified at the Lawrence Park area: ° Soil Conditions - Located in areas where general soil conditions are suitable for urban uses because of soil drainage characteristics and low bearing capacity for site, development. The Lawrence Park soils are shown as generally slight to moderate for limitation of construction and more severely constrained for septic, which he stated made R -1 zoning without utilities somewhat impractical in this location.. °_ Public services and utilities - Located'in areas which are, or could be, reasonably and efficiently served by centralized public services and utilities. Lawrence Park is close to existing public services. It is less than three miles from where the courthouse is located. Hillsborough water and sewer service will be extended to it. Additionally, the sewer facilities are being designed to accommodate connection by an additional fifty adjacent dwellings that are currently experiencing septic tank failures. °_ Transportation systems - Should be located in areas that have very good road access as well as service by rail lines. These areas should have the most complete transportation network in the County s planning jurisdiction.