Agenda - 11-21-2011 - C5 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Article 6: Development Standards 359 Section 6.8: Landscaping, Buffers & Tree Protection r Qnreeninn In lieu of the Land Use Buffers required in Section 6.8.6, buffers between adjacent land uses, whether internal or external to the project, shall be provided in accordance with the Land Use Buffers Schedule that follows. whetheF ;ntemal _r extern_ to the nrnion4 105 (8) Trees with a caliper of six inches or greater should be considered for preservation. (9) No grading for building or parking shall encroach upon required buffer. (10) Landscape buffer widths may be reduced if the buffer material is adequate to provide additional screening. (11) Decorative walls may be used to augment required landscaping for buffer reduction. (12) Access and utility crossings are to be made as close to perpendicular as possible to the length of the buffer. (13) No land disturbances for buildings, parking, or storage, drainage, etc. are permitted within a required buffer. 105 Staff is suggesting a re -write of this paragraph in order to use the correct terms and be more clear. Additionally, it needs to be clear that in the EDDs, there is a different Land Use Buffer Schedule than is applied to other areas of the county. 106 Staff is suggesting a revision to this extensive Table. Given that residential uses, and especially low density residential uses, are not encouraged in the Economic Development Districts, staff is suggesting the categories be collapsed as shown in the new table. The revised buffer widths are suggested based on the types of Land Use Buffers required of similar uses outside of the Economic Development Districts and take into consideration the denser types of development anticipated in the EDDs. The idea that substantial buffers tend to lead to a "pod- like" development pattern was also considered in the suggested buffer widths. Given the extensive landscaping standards required of new development and the array of other development standards such as impervious surface limits and stream buffer requirements, lessening the required land use buffer is expected to continue to result in a quality, more urban -style development in the EDDs while balancing impacts on the environment and surrounding area. The Land Use types in the suggested new table correspond to the "Use Type" headings in the Table of Permitted Uses for Economic Development Districts (Section 5.2.2) Orange County, North Carolina — Unified Development Ordinance Page 6 -61