Agenda - 04-20-2018 6-a - Major Subdivision Preliminary Plat Application

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17 the same as the concept plan that was approved last year. He reviewed the recommendation and introduced the applicant, Michael Neal. Michael Neal said he is representing the owners of this project. He gave background on the subdivision and how it came to be. He reviewed the topographical maps and said the stream buffers and flood plains came out to be a total of 25 acres. He said the steep slopes were also preserved. He said a recreation area was located next to the roundabout, as well as a spring fed water source, as requested by the fire department. He said the flood plains, steep slopes, recreation, and fire protection areas combined will leave 37 percent of the site preserved. He said the remaining useable land was then divided into lots. He said the result was a conservation themed sub - division where the environmental areas were preserved. He said the total project area is 104.5 acres, and the proposed open space is 38.5 acres, which exceeds the required amount of open space by 4.2 acres. He said each lot has a viable septic area. He said the two roads in the neighborhood will be built according to DOT specifications, and a pond will be supplied to provide fire protection to the homes. He said there is a plan to petition the Chapel Hill - Carrboro City School (CHCCS) system to take the 3 Orange County School (OCS) district properties, to avoid having two bus routes in the neighborhood. Commissioner Gordon asked what kind of water feature would be used for fire protection. She referred to page 101 and the emergency services condition. Michael Neal said at this point the amount of water is not known yet, as the size of the homes to be built has not been determined yet. He said the amount listed on page 101 in their packet is the minimum amount of water that would be needed. He said the proposal is to base the pond size on the largest structure that will be built in the subdivision. He said this will equate to a certain volume of water necessary to fight a fire for 2 hours. He said the size of the structure, as well as the materials used in building will determine the amount of water. He said once there are builders lined up and the details of the structures are determined, the pond will be built to accommodate. . Commissioner Gordon asked how the maximum building size can be determined before the houses are built. She does not see how you can restrict the size of the houses. Michael Neal said the septic fields will determine the maximum size house that can be built. He said once the builder or builders are selected there will be more information available. He said there is also an option to build the largest size pond necessary to be in compliance. Commissioner Gordon referred to page 15, Article 3, regarding membership and voting rights. She asked for clarification on the 2 classes of voting membership. Pat Mellot said these are the articles of membership for the proposed HOA. He said this is a standard provision. Commissioner Gordon asked why it was in the packet. Michael Harvey said the ordinance requires the auxiliary document be presented and provided. John Roberts said the HOA document is there only for the Board to review, and it does not require any action. Commissioner McKee referred to the water requirement. He said there is an automatic three department response to all structure fires. He said these responding departments, with the exception of Chapel Hill, run tankers. He said there is water transport available in addition to the pond on site. Commissioner Rich asked if any of the homes would be part of an affordable housing plan. Michael Harvey said this property is in the water supply watershed and is not allowed to participate in the density credit system.