ORD-2003-032 Amendment to Open Space Standards for Flexible Development subdivisions

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2- accessible by the general public and Secondary Conservation Areas would be required to be accessible by, -at least, subdivision residents. Additional language would require connectivity of on- site open spaces to each other (again, likely through paths) and to potential open space on adjacent parcels when possible. Functionality of open space is defined by the proposed amendment, and is the basic impetus for the particular suggested changes. Functional open space is described as that open space which has one or more of seven identified open. space uses (for natural resources, rural character, visual amenities, outdoor recreation, managed resource production, public health and safety and public purpose infrastructure), evaluated based on three physical criteria (composition, access, and size /shape). The goal in all amendment additions is to ensure that open space is purposefully sited in accordance with county land values. To that end, some new definitions of open space have been created which fit in with local goals. The amendment proposes that areas used for expansion of Primary Conservation Area, pedestrian paths, identified wildlife corridors, identified greenbelt systems, and roadside buffers may be categorized as open space under Flexible Development regulations. Additionally, language has been inserted into Section F calling for creativity and site - specificity in open space design and agglomerated shapes for certain types of Secondary Conservation Area. Process: Public Hearing May 27, 2003 Ordinance Review Committee recommendation July 2, 2003 Planning Board Recommendation July 2, 2003 BOCC to make decision no sooner than August 19, 2003 FINANCIAL IMPACT: There are no public fiscal impacts associated with this decision. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Planning Staff recommends APPROVAL of the proposed amendments. The Administration recommends that the proposed amendments be referred to the Planning Board for a recommendation to be returned to the BOCC no sooner than August 19, 2003.