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Attaclunent 3 <br />Summary of Staffs Recommendations <br />Short-Term (Less than 1-Yr.) -implemented with the Land Use Element Update and <br />presented at Public Hearing in 2005: <br />1. DENSITY REDUCTION -Lower number of potential residential lots, permitted <br />per tract, in rural areas (often called "down zoning"). Zoning Density Options <br />range from "No Change" (Option 1) to 1 dwelling unit per 5 acres (Option 5), <br />Following are benefits of density reduction: <br />• Smaller, sustainable unincorporated population at build-out, <br />• Reduces Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) and <br />associated air pollution, <br />• Protects water quality and quantity. <br />• Reflects difference between lower rural densities vs. <br />higher urban densities. <br />• Efficient public service delivery can minimize sprawl and related public <br />costs. <br />• Promotes open space and habitat. <br />• Protects rural character <br />2. MINIMUM LOT SIZE -Increase Minimum Lat Size from 40,000 square feet (0.92 <br />acres) to approximately 87,120 square feet (2.0 acres) in rural areas. <br />This change promotes: <br />• Adequate ground water recharge. <br />• Safer distances between wellheads and septic systems. <br />• Flexibility in siting house and accessory uses (decks, storage sheds, <br />etc.) without encroaching on septic repair area, <br />3. OPEN SPACE SUBDIVISIONS - As density decreases, more open space is <br />protected either "In-lot" through non-disturbance easements or through <br />shared/common area open spaces. <br />4. URBAN SERVICE BOUNDARIES AND JOINT ORANGE CO./HILLSBOROUGH <br />TASK FORCE - Incorporation of any appropriate land use recommendations <br />made by the Orange County/Town of Hillsborough Urban Transition Area Task <br />Force. Staff will be reporting Task Force recommendations at the Joint Orange <br />County/Town of Hillsborough Commissioners Meeting on February 17, 2005. <br />5. ENCOURAGE FARM ENTERPRISES -Amend Zoning Ordinance to permit land <br />uses that will offer farmers opportunities for supplemental revenue from <br />agricultural products, businesses that are logical extensions of farm use, and <br />services related to agriculture.. <br />1. TRANSFER of DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS (TDR) <br />2. URBAN SERVICE BOUNDARIES -Coordination with municipalities including <br />Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Hillsborough, Mebane, and Durham City/County <br />