1-3-24 PB Agenda Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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over the long-term. The proposed ASE-CD zoning district for an arborist and tree-processing center is consistent with the Rural Buffer Rural Land Use Classification (Appendix F Relationships Between Land Use Classifications and Zoning Districts). The activity and impact of this use will be limited to the property, generating low volumes of traffic and not negatively impacting surrounding properties by its use. It is immediately outside the Town of Chapel Hill’s Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ), emphasizing its proximity to both municipal and county residents that can utilize this commercial service while not generating large vehicle miles traveled. Its proximity to municipal centers while being separated from the residential and commercial uses of those areas serves the mutual needs of the region without negatively affecting the surrounding properties. The proposed Agricultural Services Uses is permitted in the ASE-CD zoning district, complies with the UDO standards except as noted, and meets the standards of evaluations as reviewed by the Planning Board.  Planning Principle 3A. Encouragement of Energy Efficiency, Lower Energy Consumption, and the Use of Non-Polluting Renewable Energy Resource: Decreasing the use of non-renewable resources and lowering energy consumption are encouraged in both public and private activities. The county’s transportation system should be enhanced to promote more energy efficient modes of travel and improve air quality. The applicant will introduce a wood processing and reuse facility within close proximity to municipal centers where arborist services and tree processing are most needed. The other options are to otherwise rely upon vendors who travel farther distances, redistribute by-products to non-local markets, and extract these resources from Orange County while only contributing immediate services and a higher carbon footprint. The proposed use supports a local enterprise that can immediately contribute to the reuse of the related materials and reduce traveled miles to support the business.  Planning Principle 4. Natural Area Resource Protection: Protection of the County’s natural areas, including forests, wildlife habitat, and other important open spaces should be a priority. The County should work with regional and local organizations, the towns, and private landowners to promote and achieve preservation of the County’s important natural resources. The applicant provided an Environmental Assessment as part of the application package. Staff has reviewed and determined no significant environmental impact is expected from this project based on existing conditions. The project site plan protects the existing stream on site with provided stream buffering and strives to maintain existing trees as part of the landscape buffer.  Planning Principle 5. Preservation of Rural Land Use Pattern: The County’s rural areas are a cherished component of the County’s character. Future development 143