Agenda 05-28-2002 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

0029 : making process for zoning. These watersheds are the Back Creek, Haw Creek, Haw River and Hyco Creek watersheds, along with portions of the Upper and Lower En02. Recommendation 5 Currently, as new development proposals in the rural areas receive approval, there are requirements that wastewater disposal be addressed up front before development is approved. However, there is no such assessment of water availability required, and thus many eventual homeowners and business-owners expend significant resources to find adequate`ground water. While it may never be possible to predict where the best ground water yield is on a site-specific basis, the County should consider requiring that new subdivision lots locate a well site (as well as a septiclwastewater site) prior to subdivision approval. Furthermore, the Committee recommends that, as is done with septic systems, consideration be given to requiring a "well reserve" (or a 100-foot wellhead protection area instead of a reserve) area on new lots, so that future well sites that are needed will be accounted for in site design. It is recognized that this last provision may mean that an increased minimum lot size will be needed in zoning districts where the minimum lot if less than two acres. Areas zoned for lots larger than two acres should generally be able to meet this provision without an effect on lot size. It is recognized that, as a growth management issue, the potential of low-density sprawl must also be weighted against this need. Recommendation 6 Water conservation is not just for surface water. The use of lower-flow appliances and reductions in water use for private wells should also be pursued. The County should consider a public education campaign to this end. As an added benefit, water conservation will reduce the likelihood of overuse of wells, which can result in overloaded septic systems. 22