Agenda 03-19-24; 4-a - Eno-New Hope Landscape Conservation Plan Presentation

Browse Search

54 • Objective PR-5.4 is to"encourage development of a system of private open space and conservation areas, including nature preserves,parks, linear parks, and scenic vistas compatible with the character of Orange County." LAND USE& DEVELOPMENT In the Land Use Element: • Goal 1 sets the goal of sustainable growth, including environmentally responsible growth. o Objective LU-1.1 emphasizes locating higher intensity/high density residential and non- residential development to avoid areas with protected natural and cultural resources. • Goal 2 is to create land uses that are appropriate to on-site environmental conditions and features, and that protect natural resources, cultural resources, and community character. o Objective LU-2.2 is to continue to protect valuable resource land such as...natural areas...through the County's Lands Legacy Program, and by directing incompatible development away from these areas through land use and zoning policies and regulations. • Goal 5 is to keep life,health, and property safe from hazards. o Objective LU-5.1 prohibits new development in special flood hazard areas. Under Natural& Cultural Systems Element, Goal 8: • Objective NA-10 is to"require that all major subdivisions...include within their boundaries open space suitable for low-impact recreation and wildlife habitat." • Objective NA-13 "promote[s] clustering of residential development and dedication of large areas of undisturbed land for low-impact recreational use by residents and for wildlife habitat. Where feasible,these areas should be contiguous to neighboring tracts of undisturbed land." • Objective NA-14 is to"encourage developers and neighborhood associations to protect undeveloped community open space through formal conservation agreements." For the Future Land Use classification map in Appendix G, Land Use Classification and Overlay Locational Criteria, land was evaluated to determine the suitability of certain locations to contain various land uses.Areas that are determined to be protected land uses are based on an evaluation of steep slopes, floodplains,rare species, and historic and cultural features. Resource Protection Areas (as an overlay) are "located in areas that contain significant and natural areas and wildlife habitats, including connecting wildlife corridors, as identified by local, state, or federal inventories." The New Hope Corridor Open Space overlay is designated to contain areas of"great diversity, including regionally rare plant species, hardwood trees of size and number uncommon for their location, and important wildlife habitat."All other land use classes are to be purposefully"located away from sites that would,if developed,create a threat to unique or endangered species as identified by the state or federal government." Under Section 7, General Design Standards of the Orange County UDO,the Planning Department is directed to review development proposals to ensure that the land is suitable for the development being proposed. Suitability criteria include potential for flooding, soil drainage, drainage patterns, slope,historic sites,maximum anticipated levels of land disturbance for the project and all proposed individual lots, and unique natural features. Developments proposed for areas identified in Natural Heritage Inventories must include strategies to minimize impacts to the resources, such as clustering lots, conservation easements, etc. Open space is required of developments as well. Under Flexible Developments, 7.12,protected common open space must be set aside at a minimum of 33% and a maximum of 60%of the development site, depending on minimum residential lot size. The open space layout should provide"connectivity and compatibility with both existing development and other types of open spaces."The types of common open space provided in Flexible Developments include Primary Open Space Areas and Secondary Open Space Areas. Primary Open Space areas must be included toward the 33%minimum open space requirement, and Secondary areas can be included only after all Primary areas have been included. Primary Open Space Areas include: A Landscape Plan for Wildlife Habitat Connectivity 41