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B. RATIONALE <br />1. Purpose/Mission <br />In accordance with the provisions of Section 2.8 Zoning Atlas and Unified <br />Development Ordinance Amendments of the UDO, the Planning Director is <br />proposing to initiate text amendments to modify existing subdivision development <br />requirements and review processes in an effort to provide additional opportunities for <br />the clustering of subdivision lots and preservation of open space. <br />This item is being developed to address a petition previously submitted by <br />Commissioner Pelissier on ways to encourage and promote the additional clustering <br />of residential lots and preservation of open space. <br /> <br />2. Analysis <br />As required under Section 2.8.5 of the UDO, the Planning Director is required to: <br />‘cause an analysis to be made of the application and, based upon that analysis, <br />prepare a recommendation for consideration by the Planning Board and the Board of <br />County Commissioners’. <br />In response to a petition submitted by Commissioner Pelissier, staff conducted a <br />work session with the BOCC on February 18, 2016 to: <br />a. Review the County’s subdivision development and review processes, <br />b. Discuss minimum lot size and density limitations/requirements, and <br />c. Identify opportunities and constraints associated with the clustering of <br />subdivision lots. <br />Agenda materials from this meeting can be viewed <br />at: http://www.orangecountync.gov/document_center/BOCCAgendaMinutes/160218. <br />pdf. <br />During this work session, staff recommended modifying existing subdivision <br />standards/regulations, including: <br />i. Elimination of the Cluster Development subdivision type, as currently <br />contained in Section 7.12 of the UDO, <br />ii. Revisions to existing language allowing the use of off-site septic for <br />wastewater processing, <br />iii. Allowing for lots to be clustered smaller than the 40,000 sq.ft. limit as <br />detailed in Section 7.13.4 (B) (6) of the UDO, and <br />iv. Revising submittal and review processes to give greater flexibility to <br />projects proposing clustering of lots and dedication of open space, <br />The goal is to revise existing development standards in an effort to encourage <br />purposeful growth and development within the County in a cost efficient manner while <br />promoting the perpetual maintenance/preservation of open space areas. <br /> <br />3. Comprehensive Plan Linkage (i.e. Principles, Goals and Objectives) <br /> 14