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

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Composition — The on -site physical characteristics of land are an important means of determining what sorts of functionality goals it can support as open space. For each of the seven functional open space goals, certain characteristics are required or preferred. Compositional requirements and preferences are stated throughout this section. Accessibility — Shared functional open space must be publicly available. All Flexible Development plans shall strive to provide open space access to the public at large and/or subdivision residents, in accordance with Section CA. Size and Shape — The functionality of rural open space is often diminished when it is fragmented or disproportionately shaped in long narrow segments. Functional open space is ideally large enough in size to maximize the benefits of open space to ecological, environmental, recreational and /or visual uses. Size and shape requirements are listed in Section F.1. C.3G2Types of Open Space The types of open space conserved through Flexible Development shall be consistent with the following standards: a. Open space shall be comprised of two types of land: "Primary Conservation Areas" and "Secondary Conservation Areas ". b. Primary Conservation Areas eensist of the f llewi g site f "tuE These areas represent sensitive environmental features and/or significant cultural resource areas, which may make them legally or practically unbuildable. Primary Conservation Areas are, by definition, functional because the ecological and/or social benefits that mark their classification are significant. These areas are the first type of open space to be designated on a Flexible Development Concept Plan towards satisfying the minimum open space requirement. Secondary Conservation Areas may not be selected as part of the 33% requirement unless all potential Primary Conservation Areas, except expansion areas (as defined below), have been set aside. Wetlands, including, but not limited to, streams, creeks, ponds, reservoirs, stormwater management facilities for watershed protection purposes, and adjoining land areas identified as part of- 0 The National Wetlands Inventory Maps for the county, prepared by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; 0 The "Orange County, N.C. Soil Survey," prepared by the U.S.D.A, Soil Conservation Service;