Orange County NC Website
084 <br /> • 14 <br /> Commissioner Carey inquired what was being proposed <br /> in the way of a buffer around the perimeter other <br /> than the area that abuts the interstate. Cochran <br /> responded he had not been told of additional buffer <br /> requirement by either staff. Two of these lots abut <br /> each other to the rear and this provides additional <br /> buffer. Hopefully, if the adjoining use is rezoned <br /> and is incompatible with this development , this <br /> existing neighborhood would be protected. <br /> Commissioner Marshall noted this seemed to be a <br /> very curious interpretation of the regulations. <br /> The buffer is required to protect the quality of <br /> development and she felt waiving the buffer <br /> requirement would be a serious compromise to the <br /> general plan for the physical development of the <br /> County. She continued saying that everyone coming <br /> in with a Planned Development would have an equal <br /> opportunity whether they were going for R-2 or R-8 <br /> and no one would be penalized more than another. <br /> Cochran responded he had first proposed a general <br /> R-2 rezoning and not a planned development , as this <br /> is essentially a subdivision and potential <br /> purchasers would not want to be involved with <br /> homeowners association , and was told that the Board <br /> was reluctant to approve general rezonings due to . <br /> Loss of control. Based on this judgment, the <br /> applicant then pursued a planned development. <br /> Commissioner Willhoit responded that Staff noted it <br /> was possible to waive the 100' buffer if a buffer <br /> of equivalent screening or impact were provided and <br /> he felt a backyard without a buffer was not <br /> equivalent to a 100' buffer. Cochran responded he <br /> was never Led to believe he needed a perimeter <br /> buffer. It is really an open space requirement . <br /> County Attorney, Geof Gledhill, told Boards and <br /> Council Members that the provision in question is <br /> 7.14.3 al 4. It is more complex than just a 100 ' <br /> buffer. He noted that the term "buffer" was <br /> incorrect . Where you have a PD—H district <br /> adjoining another residential district that the <br /> requirements of the adjoining residential district <br /> apply along the boundary; in lieu thereof, you <br /> could have a 100 ' open space along the PD—H <br /> boundary . That translates to any Lots along the <br /> R-1 District have to be R-1 ; if they are not R-1 <br /> then there has to be 100' of open space between the <br /> PDH boundary and the R-1 zone. <br />