Agenda - 09-18-2012 - 6b - Laserfiche WebLink

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34 environmental impact. The demand for power will not decline. We must embrace renewable means of power generation. C. The location of the use, if developed according to the plan submitted, will be in harmony with the area in which it is to be located and the use is in compliance with the plan for the physical development of the County as embodied in these regulations or in the Comprehensive Plan, or portion thereof, adopted by the Board of County Commissioners. The proposed solar farm is consistent with the residential and agricultural land use pattern that exists in the area today. The site of the proposed solar farm is somewhat isolated from adjacent properties. It is separated from adjacent properties to the south by a stream buffer; and immediately adjacent properties to the north and west are owned by the same property owner as the subject property. In addition, a 75' Type E Land Use buffer, overhead utility option, will be provided in accordance with Orange County Code in order to provide a transition between adjacent properties and the proposed solar arrays. The proposed solar farm is consistent with the Orange County Land Use Plan. Throughout the Orange County Land Use Plan references are made to the County's desire to encourage locally-generated alternative energy resources and to promote alternative and sustainable fuels. The Greenhouse Gas Emission Inventory and Reduction Action Plan initiated by Orange County in 2006 suggested that private alternative energy production be encouraged in the County. Further,the Orange County Comprehensive Plan encourages preservation of the rural land use pattern. Maintaining large tracts of land is necessary to maintain rural character. The site of the proposed solar farm totals 53.311 acres of land. Allowing the subject property to develop as a solar farm provides an opportunity for locally generated energy resources in Orange County and creates income for the property owner and tax base for the County that does not result in another suburban-style residential subdivision. The proposed solar farm will consume practically no county services: no seats in county schools or on school buses, virtually no refuse or recycling needs, no special sheriff protection, no light pollution, no emissions of any kind, no demand for water from depleted aquifers and no sewage disposal. D. The proposed Special Use Permit is for a Public Utility Station subject to the requirements of Section 5.9.3 as follows: 1. Where a building is involved and it is proposed to be located in a residentially zoned district, it shall have the appearance suitable for a residential district, or it shall be screened from adjacent residential land. No building is proposed on this property. 2. Where buildings are setback from road rights of way or from private property lines by a distance of 200 feet, screening will not be required.