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230 <br /> smart related strongly to what is nationally known as Transfer of Development Rights <br /> (TDR). After much community and elected official input and staff/consultant research <br /> about the topic, various options were explored for implementation, albeit with some <br /> caution related to our legal authority. <br /> The 2006 Phase II Report can be viewed at: <br /> http://www.orangecountync.gov/departments/planning_and inspections/2006FinalTDR <br /> ReportPhasell.pdf <br /> The 2009 Phase III report is available for viewing at: <br /> http://www.orangecountync.gov/departments/planning_and inspections/2009FinaITDR <br /> Report.pdf. <br /> The attachments to this information item explain the development of a program that was <br /> retitled Strategic Growth/Rural Conservation to respect the uniqueness sought in <br /> Orange County and within the limits of our legislative ability. Other states, in most <br /> cases, have more legislative flexibility in this area of transferable development rights. <br /> The goals of Strategic Growth/Rural Conservation taskforce were as follows: <br /> 1. Sustainably balance rural and urban areas; <br /> 2. Direct growth and development away from important natural and cultural <br /> resources and towards areas more able to support municipal services and urban <br /> densities; <br /> 3. Provide working farms with an alternative income potential; and <br /> 4. Link zoning densities to comprehensive plan goals and policies. <br /> Taskforce members were chosen from the following general sectors, including, but not <br /> limited to: local governments, advisory boards, banking and finance, private sector <br /> community/neighborhood groups, utilities, developers, lawyers, agriculture, planning, <br /> natural areas advocacy, real estate, and environmental protection. <br /> The goals listed were pursued during a multi-year period. The outcomes of the taskforce <br /> and consultant recommendations are noted in the attached power point. <br /> Although the principles of Strategic Growth/Rural Conservation still remain as a logical <br /> balance of interest, legislative authority began to diminish (varying opinions) in the early <br /> 2010's. The implementation was therefore muted with complementary yet separate <br /> aspects: a very successful Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) by the public sector <br /> with the extinguishment of development potential in agricultural/rural areas and the <br /> promotion of increases in intensity (non-residential square footage) and density (units) <br /> in appropriate urbanizing areas through pre-zoning. <br /> What was not accomplished is the Strategic Growth/Rural Conservation self-sustaining <br /> engine of the private sector paying and transferring development potential from <br /> farmland and environmental areas to lands in urban areas to accomplish up-zoning with <br /> associated conditions supporting other goals of the county. Admittedly, planning is a <br /> balance of goals. <br />