Agenda - 04-01-1996 - IX-D - Laserfiche WebLink

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62 Related to the Carrboro provisions, suggestions have been made that a 33% standard in the county and a 40% standard in Carrboro would drive developers deep into the county. Such a scenario is unlikely, for the higher densities permitted in Carrboro and the availability of public water and sewer provide developers with more opportunity for satisfying the 40% open space standard and achieving a financially feasible project. Furthermore, a higher open space standard may be more desirable in an urban setting like Carrboro where the area in which additional growth can occur is limited. As an example, the approximate area in Carrboro's ETJ is 2,240 acres. If 40% of that area were preserved as open space, the total land area would equal 896 acres. In contrast, the area of Orange County's jurisdiction, outside the JPA and municipal jurisdictions is approximately 154,944 acres. If 33% of that land area were preserved as open space, the total land area would equal 51,131 acres, or an area twice the size of the city limits and ETJ's of all the county's municipalities combined. Exclusion of unbuildable land. The specific issue is whether floodplains, wetlands, and steep slopes should be counted as open space because they are considered unbuildable. The alternative suggested is to apply the required open space percentage after subtracting such features from the total site area. Staff Response. The Flexible Development proposal recognizes floodplains, wetlands, and steep slopes as valuable resources, e.g., Primary Conservation Areas. As an example, the riparian zone of a river, stream or other body of water is the land adjacent to that body of water that is, at least periodically, influenced by flooding. The flooding of the riparian ecosystem is important for the maintenance of that system for several reasons. The flooding water and subsequent ground water levels are the main determinants of the type and productivity of vegetation found in the riparian zone. Flooding waters also bring nutrient-rich sediments to the floodplain, export organic and inorganic material from the floodplain, and serve as a primary agent for long-term aggradation (deposition of alluvial material)and degradation(down cutting of surface geology)of the floodplain. As another example, wetlands comprise one of the Earth's most productive natural ecosystems and have a set of common natural functions that make them valuable resources. • Wedands affect the quality of water. Aquatic platrts change inorganic nutrients into organic material, storing it in their leaves The stems, leaves, and roots of these plants also slow the flow of water through a wetla?g allowing the silt to settle out. Consequently, wetlands protect downstream water resources from siltation and pollution. • Wetlands MjhW We the quantity of water They act as a sponges, retaining water during dry periods and hold it back during f loods, dw keeping the water table high and relatively stable. • Wetlands are important resources for overall environmental health and diversity. They provide essential breeding, nesting, and feeding grounds and cover for marry forms offish and wildlife. These factors have the value of prowling general environmental health by creating recreational, research, and educational sites, and adding to the aesthetics of the community.