Agenda - 12-03-1985 - Laserfiche WebLink

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000021 1 part of the evelopment process." (4.2.3(b)(2)). By the definitions of the Ordinance; the availability of water and sewer is a change in condition that is significant_ enough to warrant a zoning reclassification. This changed condition makes the proposed amendment reasonably necessary for the promotion of public health, safety and general welfare. If the property were to develop under its current zoning, it could be divided into ninety single acre lots, each supporting its own septic tank and well. There would be ninety septic tanks in this area. This fact is particularly crucial since this parcel of property falls within the Morgan Creek watershed and ultimately affects Jordan Lake, a potential water supply for southern Orange County. Septic tanks fail at the rate of approxmiately five to six percent per year. The average septic tank pro- cesses fifty gallons of waste per household resident per day. A few septic tank failureslin this area would necessarily impact Obey's Creek and Morgan Creek. However, if the property is rezoned so that it could be developed as a low to medium density residential area, each household unit would be serviced by sewer lines. The potential for septic tank failure and water supply contamination down the road would be avoided. In short, , the Orange County Zoning Ordinance clearly anticipates that the availability of water and sewer lines alters the character of the pro- . perties. The rural residential zone contemplates that water distribution and sewer collection are now available. Once those services are available, the property is more appropriate for a low and medium density residential zone. The requested zone change of R-4 falls within that category. These distinctions in the Ordinance recognize that water and sewer lines serving low and medium density residential areas are more environmentally sound. That is particularly true in this case since the parcel in question is in the Morgan Creek and ultimately Jordan Lake watershed. (C) Other Indicators of Changed Conditions in this Area. • This jproperty is located in an area that is experiencing rapid growth and development. The parcel falls within the last remaining growth corridor near Chapel Hill. It is convenient to employment centers and falls within the Chapel Hill-Carrboro school district. These factors have caused land value in this area to increase significantly. • The attached map demonstrates just a few of the low to medium density developments that have occurred in the general vicinity. Some, such as Heritage Hills and Dogwood Acres are older developments. Others are newly developed or newly improved projects. The attached map shows significant change in growith. It is significant to note that it does not include the nearby growth that is over the county line. The Cole Park Plaza is very close to this property as is Farrington, Polks Landing and other develop- ments in northern Chatham County. In 1984, the Orange County Planning Board recommended this area for 10 year transition based on the development characteristic's surrounding it. Since that time growth has not slowed. It has increased. - ter.