Orange County NC Website
Article 7: Subdivisions <br /> Section 7.12: Flexible Developments <br /> <br /> <br />Orange County, North Carolina – Unified Development Ordinance Page 7-61 <br /> <br />Where the goal of the Flexible Development project is to conserve scenic views, the <br />following criteria apply: <br />(1) Leave scenic views and vistas unblocked or uninterrupted, particularly as seen <br />from public roadways. Consider "no-build, no-plant" buffers along public <br />roadways where views or vistas are prominent or locally significant. <br />(2) In wooded areas where a sense of enclosure is a feature to be maintained, <br />consider a "no-build, no-cut" buffer created through the preservation of existing <br />vegetation. <br />(3) Where development is located in unwooded areas clearly visible from existing <br />public roads, it should be buffered from direct view by a vegetative buffer or an <br />earth berm constructed to reflect the topography of the surrounding area. <br />(4) Protect rural roadside character and scenic views by providing larger lots (e.g., <br />two acres or more) adjacent to existing public roads. <br />(5) Protect rural roadside character and vehicular carrying capacity by avoiding <br />development fronting on existing public roads and limiting access to all lots from <br />interior rather than exterior roads. <br />(6) Unless buildings can be effectively screened or buffered with trees, avoid siting <br />new construction on or close to prominent hilltops or ridges where rooflines are <br />seen above the horizon. <br />(F) Historic and Archaeological Features <br />Where the goal of the Flexible Development project is to conserve historic and <br />archaeological sites and structures, the following criteria apply: <br />(1) Design around and preserve sites of historic, archaeological or cultural value so <br />as to safeguard the character of the feature(s), including fences and walls, farm <br />outbuildings, burial grounds, abandoned roads, and earthworks. <br />(2) New streets, driveways, fences, and utilities must be sited so as not to intrude <br />unnecessarily on rural, historic landscapes. Wherever possible, streets and <br />driveways are to follow existing hedgerows, fence lines, and historic farm drives. <br />(3) New developments must include plantings which incorporate native species and <br />historic landscape materials so as to harmonize with the character of the area. <br />(4) Building designs and styles used in new construction should be compatible with <br />the architectural style of historic buildings located on or adjacent to the site, <br />especially in terms of scale, height, roof shape, and exterior materials. <br />(G) Recreation Provision <br />Where the goal of the Flexible Development project is to provide recreation and parks <br />facilities for neighborhood residents and/or the general public, the guidelines contained in <br />Section 7.11 shall apply. <br />7.13.97.12.10 Density Bonuses for Major Subdivisions <br />The maximum number of building lots or dwelling units in a Flexible Development shall not <br />exceed the number that could otherwise be developed by the application of the minimum lot size <br />requirement and/or density standard of the zoning district or districts in which the parcel is <br />located. However, increases in the number of building lots or dwelling units are permitted through <br />at least one of the following two options. <br />(A) To Encourage Affordable Housing <br />A density increase is permitted pursuant to Section 6.18 of this Ordinance where the <br />Flexible Development provides on-site or off-site housing opportunities for low or <br />moderate-income families. <br />(B) To Encourage Additional Open Space <br /> 90