Orange County NC Website
114 <br /> Brown asked if the discussion is a combination of <br /> primary and secondary open space. Collins <br /> responded that the focus is first on primary. If <br /> the 33% can be met entirely with primary, then <br /> secondary does not have to be considered. If not, <br /> then it must be a combination of primary and <br /> secondary. <br /> Katz asked if the discussion is of a percentage <br /> of the total property that includes everything <br /> that is unbuildable anyway under the current <br /> Subdivision Regulations. Collins responded that <br /> steep slopes can be built on; the limitations are <br /> with septic systems. Natural areas could be built <br /> on, but they are subject to an environmental <br /> assessment and possibly a full environmental <br /> impact study. Collins continued that for <br /> wetlands, a permit may have to be obtained from <br /> the Corps of Engineers. Building on a historic <br /> site that had federal funding would require a <br /> higher level of federal review. <br /> Hoecke asked if the County operates under the <br /> federal definition of wetlands and Collins <br /> responded that the County does not have any <br /> specific delineation of wetlands other than the <br /> National Wetlands Inventory that was done by the <br /> Fish & Wildlife Service and the Bottomland <br /> Hardwood Forest that was picked up from the land <br /> satellite data. If there are further questions <br /> about wetlands, then, we refer to the Corps of <br /> Engineers. <br /> Katz asked if there is data available that would <br /> indicate the percentage of open space in existing <br /> subdivisions if the proposed standards should be <br /> applied. Collins responded no. <br /> Brown asked about the reference Collins had made <br /> regarding building/disturbing land in wetlands. <br /> Collins responded that the Corps of Engineer may <br /> have mitigation provisions which means they may <br /> allow one to build in the wetlands but in return <br /> for that they have to provide/protect wetlands in <br /> another location. Brown continued asking about <br /> building in wildlife corridors. Collins responded <br /> that generally you can build in the corridors; <br /> however, the problem usually encountered is that <br /> the corridors follow major tributaries and <br /> floodplains. Natural areas may subject one to an <br /> environmental impact statement. If there is no <br /> way for an individual to build on a piece of <br /> property at all, there may be involvement in a <br /> mitigation situation. <br />