Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
Article 6: Development Standa`13� <br /> Section 6.8: Landscaping,Buffers&Tree Protection <br /> (4) Consideration of lower cost and affordable housing shall be incorporated into any <br /> mixed use development. <br /> (5) A justification for any deviation to development standards must state a public <br /> benefit or purpose. <br /> (D) Plan Approvals <br /> (1) If a MPD-CD rezoning application is approved with a Master Plan, the approval <br /> does not obviate the need to obtain site plan approval for the individual <br /> 11pods"/lots shown on the Master Plan in accordance with the provisions of this <br /> Ordinance. <br /> (2) If any nonresidential use is located within two hundred feet of a property line of <br /> an existing dwelling unit located on a lot smaller than 2 acres in size, an <br /> appropriate Conditional District must be approved.. See Section 5.21.2 for <br /> standards for uses requiring Conditional District approval. <br /> (3) A site plan shall not be accepted by staff for review until the MPD-CD Master <br /> Plan has been approved. <br /> LANDSCAPING, BUFFERS &TREE PROTECTION <br /> 6.8.1 Purpose and Intent <br /> The standards of this section provide for the preservation of existing vegetation and for the <br /> installation and maintenance of new vegetation and other landscape architectural features. The <br /> purpose of these standards is to: <br /> (A) Protect, preserve, and enhance the visual appeal, character, and value of Orange <br /> County; <br /> (B) Enhance the beauty of the built environment; <br /> (C) Enhance the privacy and welfare of citizens by separating incompatible land uses; <br /> (D) Allow for the ecological benefits provided by plant materials including: protection of land <br /> from erosion and stormwater143 runoff; minimize noise, water, light and air pollution; <br /> mitigation of the heat island effect; recharging of aquifers; and protection and <br /> enhancement of wildlife habitats; and <br /> (E) Preservation of natural forested tree areas. <br /> 6.8.2 Applicability <br /> The landscaping and buffering standards of this section shall apply to all proposed land <br /> development for which a site plan, special use permit, MPD-CD Master Plan, preliminary plat in <br /> the case of major subdivisions or a final plat in the case of minor subdivisions, is required. <br /> 6.8.3 Variations <br /> (A) In some cases the strict adherence to this section of the Ordinance would serve no useful <br /> purpose, in which case the Planning Director, may modify the buffer and landscape <br /> standards of this Section where: <br /> (1) The topography of a site and/or the size of a proposed lot are sufficient to serve <br /> the purpose of a buffer; <br /> (2) Existing structures, utilities, gardens or active farmland are located in the buffer <br /> or setback areas; <br /> (3) Existing vegetation is damaged, unhealthy, or poses a safety threat; or <br /> 141 Consistent reference to "stormwater runoff'. <br /> Orange County, North Carolina— Unified Development Ordinance Page 6-37 <br />