Agenda - 08-23-1993 - C 1-4 - Laserfiche WebLink

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0 4 b Cane Creek The existing standards pertaining to residential development within the Cane Creek Watershed are consistent those required by the State Mandate, and no substantive changes are proposed. Existing standards require a minimum lot size of two acres and six percent impervious surface in the Critical Area, and a 40,000 square foot minimum lot size and 12% impervious surface limit in the remainder of the watershed. The Critical Area will be extended where necessary to cover the area within 1/2 mile of the reservoir. Non-residential development, which includes uses such as churches and schools which are allowed in residential zoning districts, could have an impervious surface of up to 70% in five percent (5%) of the watershed. This represents the minimum standard required by the State mandate. Upper Eno Watershed Residential development in the Critical Area of the Upper Eno Watershed is proposed to have a two-acre minimum lot size and six percent (6%) impervious surface limit. The minimum lot size in the balance of the watershed is as allowed by the underlying zoning district. The underlying zoning requires a 40,000 square foot minimum lot size, with exception of the portion of the Efland area designated as Transition Area in the Comprehensive Plan. Within the Transition Area, where rezonings can be requested to allow up to 13 dwelling units per acre, the proposed standards would allow up to 30% impervious surface for high-density residential developments, with detention ponds required if impervious surface exceeds 12%. Non-residential developments can have impervious surface as high as 70% in five percent (5%) of the watershed outside of the Critical Area. Detention ponds will be required where impervious surface exceeds 12%. These standards represent the minimum standards required by the State for WS-II watersheds which allow residential densities greater than one (1) dwelling unit per acre. Little River and Flat River Watersheds The State mandate requires a minimum lot size of one acre or a 12% impervious surface limit in the Little River watershed, and a minimum lot size of one-half acre or 24% impervious surface limit in the Flat River Watershed. The Planning Staff is recommending a 2-acre minimum lot size and 6% impervious surface limit for residential development in both watersheds. A technical study prepared by Camp, Dresser and McKee for the City of Durham in 1989 entitled "Watershed Management Study: Lake Michie and Little River Reservoir Watersheds" recommended the more stringent lot size and impervious surface limits. Several years ago, when watershed protection initiatives were being considered, the City of Durham officially requested that Orange County adopt a two-acre standard as recommended by the Study. Durham County recently enacted similar standards in the rural portions of that watershed in Durham County. For these reasons, the Planning Staff is recommending adoption of a higher standard than that required by the State Mandate.