Minutes 02-28-2011 - Laserfiche WebLink

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specific standards were included. The consolidation of multiple districts into MPD- CZ has created a single "one size fits all" solution that doesn't adequately serve the rural community. • And finally, the requirement for a special use permit has been removed, before the needs of the rural community have been reflected in the definition of the Conditional Zoning Districts. Of course, each rezoning decision will depend on the preferences of the sitting board — and we appreciate that this board is generally committed to implementing the comprehensive plan and protecting rural character- But as we've learned by watching the Chatham County Commissioners, every election cycle can bring major shifts in composition and our zoning ordinances are meant to smooth out these political changes. MPD-CZ offers maximum flexibility for the EDDs which we strongly support, but it can be misapplied in the rural areas where anyone can seek a rezoning on a parcel as small as 5 acres for a use that's incompatible with the surrounding area. We don't have water, sewer, telecommunications or other infrastructures necessary to support many of these uses. So, MPD-CZ, as currently defined, does not reflect the realities of the rural community. To fix the situation, we ask that that you consider the following changes to the Conditional Zoning Districts: Most importantly, we ask that you restrict MPD-CZ to the Economic Development Districts, commercial zones and highway corridors just like Chapel Hill has done. This will give us all the benefits desired to move our economic development program forward in a timely manner. Secondly, we ask that you create a new conditional zoning district for the rural areas where we'd recommend the following specifications: Reinstate guiding language around planned development districts including mixed use, residential, commercial, office, and of course industrial Reinstate special use permits - at least until we can get better zoning in place. Increase the minimum tract size to100 acres Eliminate incompatible uses -such as intense industrial and commercial —which isn't realistic in a rural area without infrastructure. We believe that well defined conditional districts provide many benefits for our community. But trying to force the rural community, with our very different character and purpose, into a single floating district tailored to the EDDs doesn't serve us well. Once this ordinance is approved by the Board.....it becomes law.....and we'd appreciate your consideration in making it a meaningful law for the rural community. Speaker 3: Wastewater Treatment Systems (Michael Hughes) There have been changes to the definition of wastewater treatment systems—which we were told includes new commercial septic systems in the rural areas—something that we believe will help rural businesses like Fiesta Grill. The language is pretty broad and includes "systems that discharge effluent to surface waters and other systems that may be permitted by the county health department or the state".