Orange County NC Website
Article 7: Subdivisions 91 <br /> Section 7.12: Flexible Developments <br /> (b) When lots and access streets are laid out, they shall be located in such <br /> a way that avoids or at least minimizes impacts on both Primary and <br /> Secondary Conservation Open Space Areas. <br /> (c) To the greatest extent practical, wetland crossings and streets <br /> traversing slopes over 15% shall be strongly discouraged unless such <br /> streets link one buildable portion of a site with another and no other <br /> means of access is available. <br /> (4) Drawing in the Lot Lines <br /> (a) Lot lines shall be drawn around potential house sites. <br /> (b) Each lot must contain a buildable area of sufficient size to <br /> accommodate a single-family detached dwelling and customary <br /> accessory uses, including, but not limited to, storage buildings and <br /> garages, patios and decks, lawns, and driveways. <br /> (c) Individual wells and septic systems, where these are to be provided, <br /> may be located within the undivided conservation lands if sufficient <br /> space is not available on the lots. <br /> 7-1-337.12.9 Evaluation Criteria <br /> (A) Generally <br /> (1) All open space planning shall show consideration of the specific physical <br /> characteristics of the land parcel being developed, meet open space design <br /> goals, and adhere to the three fundamental land characteristics of open space as <br /> set forth in Section 7.13.3(B)(5).7.12.4. <br /> (2) At any given site, the types of resources may vary widely in character (e.g., a <br /> natural area compared to a historic site)and each type of resource may have <br /> areas of greater or lesser significance (e.g., a notable example of local <br /> vernacular building traditions compared to a much altered older home). Priorities <br /> for conserving such resources should therefore be based upon a thorough site <br /> analysis and an understanding of what is more special, unique, noteworthy, <br /> environmentally sensitive, and/or historic as compared with other similar features <br /> or different types of resources. <br /> (3) In evaluating the layout of lots and open space, the criteria in (B)through (G) <br /> below will be considered as indicating design appropriate to the site's features <br /> and meeting the intent of the Flexible Development standards. <br /> (4) Whereas diversity and originality in lot layout are encouraged, it is recognized <br /> that not all objectives may be achieved on a given site. Each applicant must <br /> therefore to achieve the best possible relationship between development and <br /> preservation objectives. <br /> (B) Criteria Applicable to all Flexible Development Projects <br /> The following criteria apply to all Flexible Development projects: <br /> (1) The shape and placement of open space shall meet the following: <br /> (a) Be reasonably contiguous; <br /> (b) Be coherently configured; <br /> (c) Shall abut existing or potential open space on adjacent properties; <br /> (d) Be supportive of stated open space goals; <br /> (e) Should not be overly fragmented as to minimize edges; and <br /> Orange County, North Carolina–Unified Development Ordinance Page 7-60 <br />