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19 <br /> IV-B-10. FLEXIBLE DEVELOPMENT <br /> Section A PURPOSE <br /> The purpose of Flexible Development is to preserve agricultural and forestry lands, natural and <br /> cultural features, and rural community character that might be lost through conventional <br /> development approaches. To accomplish this goal, greater flexibility and creativity in the design of <br /> such developments is encouraged and allowed. Specific objectives are as follows: <br /> • To preserve areas of the county with productive soils for continued agricultural and forestry <br /> use by preserving blocks of land large enough to allow for efficient operations. <br /> • To encourage the preservation and improvement of habitat for various forms of wildlife and to <br /> create new woodlands through natural succession and reforestation where appropriate. <br /> • To minimize site disturbance and erosion through retention of existing vegetation and <br /> avoiding development on steep slopes. <br /> • To preserve open land, including those areas containing unique and sensitive features such as' <br /> natural areas and wildlife habitats, steep slopes, streams, wetlands, and floodplains. <br /> • To preserve scenic views and elements of the county's rural character, and to minimize <br /> perceived density by minimizing views of new development from existing roads. <br /> • To preserve and maintain historic and archaeological sites and structures that serve as <br /> significant visible reminders of the county's social and architectural history. <br /> • To provide for the active and passive recreational needs of county residents, including <br /> implementation of the Master Recreation&Parks Plan. <br /> • To provide greater efficiency in the siting of services and infrastructure by reducing road <br /> length, utility runs, and the amount of paving for development. <br /> • To create compact neighborhoods accessible to open space amenities and with a strong <br /> identity. <br /> Section B APPLICABI IW <br /> Flexible Development is permitted in all residential zoning districts except the Rural Buffer (RB) <br /> zoning district, but only upon approval of <br /> DepaFtment e a Major Subdivision Preliminary Plat by the Board of County Commissioners. All <br /> Flexible Development subdivision plats shall comply with the requirements and standards specified <br /> herein and in all respects with other applicable codes and ordinances to the extent that they are <br />