Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
Density - Neutral Development <br />Design Concept <br />"Density- Neutral" refers to a type of open -space oriented development that reserves 50% of the <br />buildable land as undivided, permanent open space. In a density- neutral development, the same <br />number of houses are built in a subdivision as permitted under existing zoning, but the houses <br />are clustered together on smaller lots to leave at least 50% of the land open. Half of the open <br />space in such a development is left in a natural state, while the other half can be used for more <br />active recreation such as community greens, parks, or ballfields. Density - neutral subdivisions <br />are often described as "golf course developments without the golf courses" (Designing Open <br />Space Subdivisions, Arendt) <br />Density- neutral developments allow residents immediate access to open space and natural areas. <br />Comparative studies show that property values in such subdivisions appreciate faster than <br />conventional subdivisions, even though the lots are significantly smaller. In addition, density - <br />neutral designs allow lots to placed with more consideration for environmentally sensitive areas <br />and other constraints. Thus, in this type of development, streams, trees and forests, historic sites, <br />habitats, and other amenities can be preserved for the enjoyment of the residents. At the same <br />time, lots can be sited away from negative impacts of major roads or railroads. <br />Stoney Creek Basin Area Plan, page6 <br />