ORD-2001-026 Planning - Amendments to Orange County Subdivision Regulations Concerning Definitions and Approval Procedures for Minor Subdivisions

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d. Clarified Amendments to Orang e County Private Road Subdivision Regulations: Section IV-B-3-d-1 and Appendix A Private Road Standards The Board considered proposed amendments to the Orange County Subdivision Regulations,; Section IV-B 3-d-1 Roads and Appendix A. Craig Benedict said that the original private road standard amendments go back over a year ago when there were 25 lots allowed on a dirt road. This was reduced to 12 lots and the changes have been finalized. Also, the minimum lot size for the area was suggested to be doubled in order to have a private road in a subdivision. It was brought up by Commissioner Jacobs to allow something less than double the minimum lot size if there was at least 50% open space. Craig Benedict clarified that three-lot subdivisions do not have to provide a private road justification, but they still have to go°through all of the other subdivision regulations to prove that a public road would not be more appropriate. The private road must still be built to a class B standard. Commissioner Jacobs made reference to page five at the top and read as follows: "Such subdivision of three or fewer lots may provide a private access easement for one adjacent lot... " He asked how the "may"works and if staff decides_ Craig Benedict said that the suggestion would be made by a developer and a property owner and staff would decide if it was a good idea. It is a voluntary situation. Commissioner Jacobs suggested saying, "Such subdivision of three or fewer lots would be encouraged to provide..:."so that it is clear that it is not a requirement.. Commissioner Jacobs asked about page seven, number seven and what would happen if the grade does exceed 9%. Craig Benedict said that 9% is quite steep and this is the provision presently in the code. The purpose is to handle erosion control on slopes because any slope higher than 9% would have erosion problems. Commissioner Jacobs said that it would be better to have a declarative statement that no private roads will be built at a grade greater than 9%. Craig Benedict made note of the suggestion. Any change in the wording would have to go to public hearing. A motion was made by Commissioner`Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Brown to adopt the proposed clarified amendments to Orange County Private-Road>Subdivision Regulations: Section IV-B-3-d-1 and Appendix A Private Road Standards. VOTE: UNANIMOUS The Board decided'to postpone item 8-g. e. Appointments The Board was to consider appointments to the Economic Development Commission, Industrial Facilities and Pollution Control Financing Authority, and the Visitors Bureau of Chapel Hill and Orange County, but this item was delayed. 10. REPORTS - NONE 11. APPOINTMENTS NONE 12. MINUTES NONE 13. CLOSED SESSION A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Carey to go into closed session "To discuss the County's position and to instruct the County Manager and County Attorney on the negotiating position regarding the terms of a contract to purchase real property," NCGS § 143-318.11(a)(5).