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T.� - <br /> o Floodplains -los <br /> o - Soils rated as prime agricultural soils <br /> 3 . Identify development sensitivities of the land ; i . e. , <br /> characteristics by which to designate lands suited for <br /> conservation <br /> a . Steep terrain - Land with slopes in excess of 15 <br /> percent <br /> b . Soils suitable for agriculture - Land with soils <br /> rated as prime agricultural soils <br /> c. Erodibility - Highly erodible soils as defined in <br /> consultation with the Soil Conservation Service and <br /> the Erosion Control Division of the Planning <br /> Department <br /> d . Plant and wildlife communities (Not rare or <br /> endangered ) - Areas recognized as essential <br /> habitats for area wildlife and plant resources of <br /> regional importance <br /> e. Water quality - Areas recognized as watershed <br /> basins for existing and proposed water supply <br /> reservoirs <br /> f . Soils unsuited for sewage disposal - Land with <br /> soils rated as having severe limitations for septic <br /> tank filter fields <br /> g. Noise assessment - Lands adjacent to existing and <br /> proposed interstate and arterial highways having <br /> unacceptable noise levels using HUD noise <br /> assessment guidelines <br /> h . Visual impact - Prominent features and areas, <br /> including, but not limited to, hills, landmarks, <br /> water bodies, and panoramic views <br /> 4. Identify goals and objectives for the preservation of <br /> open space <br /> a . Promote the health and safety of Orange County <br /> residents and visitors by regulating development of <br /> lands that are inherently unsuited for intensive <br /> use <br /> b . Conserve scarce natural resources and lands needed <br /> for vital natural processes <br /> c. Conserve the open space needed to maximize the <br /> opportunities for recreational , educational , and <br /> cultural activities and experiences <br /> d . Preserve and create an open space system that will <br /> maintain community identity, achieve a sense of <br /> spaciousness in all neighborhoods, and protect and <br />