Agenda - 11-27-1995 - C-6 - Laserfiche WebLink

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176 • May, 19% - A proposal to create an Open Space Development Area Land Use Plan category and zoning district is presented at public hearing. The proposal also includes its application to the University Station property. • June, 1994-A proposal to rezone the remaining portion of the county to require two-acre minimum lot sizes is presented at public hearing. Citizen comment is also requested on the desirability of clustering, mandatory open space requirements, and density bonuses. • September, 1994 - October, 1995 - The Planning Board reviews all materials/evidence received,including the Rural Character Study Committee recommendations(January, 1993), and prepares recommendation. The Planning Staff has reviewed the material produced and/or received, including comments provided by citizens through township meetings and public hearings. While a variety of approaches and options exist,the three basic approaches which have been recommended to date include: • The Rural Character Study Committee recommendations; • The "Status Quo"; and • A "Cluster Option" incorporating a mandatory 50% open space requirement and density limits based on the carrying capacity of the soils. SUMMARY OF STAFF PROPOSAL: In an effort to focus the discussion and "balance" the many interests expressed to date, the Planning Staff has prepared this proposal which consists of three parts. The first section contains "Goals and Action Strategies" (as recommended by the Rural Character Study Committee). The second section contains a "Flexible Development" option which contains the following provisions: • The existing one-acre minimum lot size requirement would be retained. • The provision of open space would be optional, however, a developer would be required to submit two concept plans-one for a conventional subdivision and another for a"flexible" or open space subdivision. • If a Flexible Development option is chosen, at least one-third(33%) of the land within a subdivision must be preserved as open space which may be preserved through: • An"estate lot"approach where all land is subdivided into lots four(4)acres or greater in size, building limits(50%)are established for each lot, and the open space outside such limits is preserved through restrictive covenants and/or conservation easements; or • A "conservation" approach where all land is subdivided into lots, and open space is preserved through the use of conservation easements held by the County or a land conservancy; or • A "cluster" approach where lot sizes are reduced and the land saved through such reductions is dedicated to the County or a land conservancy, or owned and maintained by a homeowners' association; or • A "village" or modified cluster approach where dwelling units are clustered around a village green and supporting shops, and the village is surrounded by open space; or • Some combination of the above, including the use of "density averaging" to allow flexibility in areas where two-acre minimum lot size requirements exist.