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*Rural Residential and Agricultural *Amended 4/2/90 The Rural Residential category is a low-density area consisting of single-family homes situated on large lots with a minimum lot size of two acres, except when part of a cluster subdivision and then adhering to a density limit of 1 unit for every 2 acres of property. two acres in size or greater. Cluster subdivisions, reducing parcels to at least 1 acre in area, are allowed to as long as density limits for the entire subdivision are maintained 6. The Rural Residential designation is identical to the Rural Buffer category contained in the current Orange County Land Use Plan. The Rural Buffer category is described in the Plan as land adjacent to an Urban or Transition area which is rural in character and which should remain rural; contain very low-density residential uses and agricultural uses; and not require urban services (water and sewer) during the Plan period. Agricultural areas existing within Transition Areas are expected to change from rural to urban uses as Chapel Hill and Carrboro continue to grow and as public water and sewer services are expanded. Agricultural areas are located principally in University Lake Watershed but are also prominent along the northern perimeter of the Planning Area boundary. As development occurs in these areas, it will be of very low -density in nature and will generally consist of farm dwelling and outbuildings in support of agricultural operations. To the north of Chapel Hill and Carrboro in the New Hope Creek drainage basin, low- density residential development has taken place along Whitfield Road, Sunrise Road and Erwin Road. Residential developments similar to Sedgefield, Stoneridge, Oak Hills, Birchwood Lake Estates and Falls of the New Hope are expected to continue, relying on wells and septic tanks for water supply and sewer disposal. To the west of Carrboro, Rural Residential development is also expected in University Lake Watershed. However, only low-density residential and agricultural uses are anticipated. For this reason, residential Development will continue to rely on wells and septic tanks for water supply and sewage disposal. The remaining area designated for Rural Residential and Agricultural development is the Southern Triangle area in the extreme southeastern portion of the County. The area drains to the southeast toward Jordan Lake and is beyond the ridge line of the Morgan Creek basin, an area which can be served by gravity sewer lines. The Southern Triangle is also characterized by environmental constraints such as steep slopes, flood plains and soils with poor stability, so low-density development is projected. There are approximately 9,260 acres of land designated for Rural Residential and Agricultural purposes in the Land Use Plan. If developed at an average density of one dwelling unit per two acres with 15% of the area subtracted out for streets and roads, the holding capacity of the area in terms of dwellings is 3,935. If multiplied by the 1980 Census figure for population per household (2.6), the estimated population would be 10,231. 6 As previously indicated we are modifying existing language to ensure required minimum lot sizes and density limits are observed. As previously indicated staff has incorporated comments from the County Attorney’s office and the Towns of Carrboro and Chapel Hill into this section. 132