Agenda - 05-26-2015 - C-2 - Laserfiche WebLink

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With its unique blend of compact site plan, variety of housing choices, low- impact development, onsite food production, and open space preservation, the proposed development plan for Hart's Mill offers a model for bridging rural and urban development that is consistent with the County's vision for this area. Land Use Intensity / Preservation of Natural State The conservation, preservation and restoration of healthy natural systems on the land are a central guiding principle for Hart's Mill. The buildings of the village are tightly clustered to minimize the total developed area of the site. More than 80% of the property will permanently remain in pasture, farm, woodlands and streams. The community is exploring the optimal mix of legal mechanisms to protect the land in perpetuity. In a letter from Rich Shaw of the Orange County Department of Environment, Agriculture, Parks & Recreation date 12/9/2014, he states, "Your intention to leave more than 80% of the property in agriculture, woodlands and protected streams will contribute to the current forested and open space character of the neighborhood east of Frazier Road, which also provides habitat to plants and wildlife that utilize the McGowan Creek corridor." As indicated herein, the developed residential component of the project will occupy a maximum of 20% or approximately 22 acres of property. The remaining acreage shall be preserved as dedicated open space and farm land. The proposed project will effectively double the normal open space area achieved via County subdivision policies and reduce the overall development potential of the site. This will, in turn, reduce the need to disturb existing property for the installation of infrastructure (i.e. roadways, pedestrian access ways, etc.) and allow for a greater percentage of the parcel to be left untouched. Density is being reduced dramatically beyond what is typically allowed within established zoning to ensure promotion of our primary goal: residential development that is integrated with, rather than at the expense of, the natural environment. As we understand the provisions of the County's UDO there are land use intensity ratios for all general use zoning districts. Based on our proposal, Hart's Mill will be observing the following land use intensity ratios, based on current definitions: • Proposed Maximum Allowable Floor Area Ratio (i.e. the cumulative amount of floor area for the project): 0.080 • Proposed Open Space Ratio: 0.83 Enhancement of Residential Privacy 19