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230 <br /> related strongly to what is nationally known as Transfer of Development Rights (TDR). After <br /> much community and elected official input and staff/consultant research about the topic, various <br /> options were explored for implementation, albeit with some caution related to our legal authority. <br /> The 2006 Phase II Report can be viewed <br /> at: http://www.orangecountync.gov/departments/planning and inspections/2006FinalTDRRepo <br /> rtPhasell.pdf <br /> The 2009 Phase III report is available for viewing <br /> at: http://www.orangecountync.gov/departments/planning and inspections/2009FinalTDRRepo <br /> rt.pdf. <br /> The attachments to this agenda item explain the development of a program that was retitled <br /> Strategic Growth/Rural Conservation to respect the uniqueness sought in Orange County and <br /> within the limits of our legislative ability. Other states, in most cases, have more legislative <br /> 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 resources and <br /> towards areas more able to support municipal services and urban 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 limited <br /> to: local governments, advisory boards, banking and finance, private sector <br /> community/neighborhood groups, utilities, developers, lawyers, agriculture, planning, natural <br /> areas advocacy, real estate, and environmental protection. <br /> The goals listed were pursued during a multi-year period. The outcomes of the taskforce and <br /> consultant recommendations are noted in the attached power point. <br /> Although the principles of Strategic Growth/Rural Conservation still remain as a logical balance <br /> of interest, legislative authority began to diminish (varying opinions) in the early 2010's. The <br /> implementation was therefore muted with complementary yet separate aspects: a very <br /> successful Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) by the public sector with the extinguishment <br /> of development potential in agricultural/rural areas and the promotion of increases in intensity <br /> (non-residential square footage) and density (units) in appropriate urbanizing areas through pre- <br /> zoning. <br /> What was not accomplished is the Strategic Growth/Rural Conservation self-sustaining engine <br /> of the private sector paying and transferring development potential from farmland and <br /> environmental areas to lands in urban areas to accomplish up-zoning with associated conditions <br /> supporting other goals of the county. Admittedly, planning is a balance of goals. <br /> FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact in receiving this report. <br /> SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goals are applicable <br /> to this agenda item: <br />