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12 <br /> Class AA road would be paved, but would not be required to meet all of the criteria required by <br /> NCDOT for acceptance into the State road system. The quality of the road would be adequate <br /> to serve traffic, while providing for greater flexibility in design and character of the subdivision. <br /> The increase in design flexibility could also be an incentive used to encourage open space <br /> development. This amendment also addresses the situations where 25 lots currently are <br /> served by one road. This amendment would allow for the applicant of the Class AA standard to <br /> add additional lots. It would also allow the Board of Commissioners to approve a subdivision <br /> which results in a cumulative total of 26 to 50 lots on an existing road which does not fully meet <br /> the new Class AA private paved road standards if: the road exceeds Class A private road <br /> standards in either width or surfacing requirements, Emergency Management has certified that <br /> the road is adequate for access by emergency vehicles, and at least 1/2 of the lots which are <br /> served by the private road are already developed. <br /> QUESTIONS AND/OR COMMENTS FROM THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> Commissioner Gordon asked why this amendment was being presented. <br /> Mary Willis stated that there were two reasons. One was the discussion that came up <br /> regarding the flexible development proposals and how to deal with roads. The more specific <br /> incident was a private road that is served by 25 lots and the property owner on that road <br /> wanting to subdivide and create one additional lot. In this case there was no possibility of <br /> granting the request unless the ordinance was amended. <br /> Commissioner Gordon stated that it was a big change in policy to allow the number of <br /> lots on a private road to double. There could be a more measured approach to allow only a <br /> small number of additional lots in an already existing subdivision. In the case of new <br /> subdivisions, the use of private roads was recommended as an incentive by the Rural <br /> Character Committee to encourage the preservation of open space. Commissioner Gordon <br /> also noted that this amendment would double the number of lots in a subdivision that would <br /> involve maintenance of private roads. If a change like this is made, it should only be used to <br /> provide an incentive for the preservation of open space. <br /> Renee Price asked if there would be additional liability to the County as a result of this <br /> change in policy. <br /> Mary Willis indicated that would be covered in the Private Road maintenance agreement <br /> which is required for all private roads. <br /> QUESTIONS AND/OR COMMENTS FROM THE PLANNING BOARD <br /> None. <br /> QUESTIONS AND/OR COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS <br /> Bill Terry spoke in support of this Amendment. He would like to subdivide a four (4) <br /> acre lot off of his property and is currently not able to do that. The Homeowners Association <br /> which maintains that road is willing for him to add this lot. <br />