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the parties to the Agreement - Orange County and <br /> the Town of Chapel Hill . 005 <br /> IMPACT: One purpose of the Rural Buffer is to define an <br /> -urban services boundary around the Chapel <br /> Hill -Carrboro area. Within the boundary (or <br /> transition area) , development would occur at urban <br /> densities and the full range of services would be <br /> provided, including public water and sewer. In the <br /> Rural Buffer outside the boundary, development <br /> would occur at very low density (one dwelling unit <br /> per two acres) , urban services would not be <br /> provided, and municipal annexation would not occur. <br /> A second and equally important purpose of the Rural <br /> Buffer is to protect and preserve environmentally <br /> sensitive and open space areas. Included among <br /> these areas are University Lake watershed, Duke <br /> Forest and productive agricultural lands. <br /> Approval of the amendment would result in increased <br /> development pressure within the Rural Buffer, <br /> including requests for water and sewer extensions. <br /> As land developed at more urban densities, the <br /> amount of productive farmland would be reduced, and <br /> municipalities would encroach on environmentally <br /> sensitive areas. <br /> If approved, a subsequent public hearing (May 25, <br /> 1987 ) would be required to conform the Zoning <br /> Ordinance and Atlas with the JPA Land Use Plan . <br /> RECOMMENDATION: Retain two-acre minimum lot size standard . <br />