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Chapter 2 — Planning Principles <br /> 2. Sustainable Growth and Development: Growth and development within the county should <br /> occur in a pattern, location, and density that is sustainable over the long-term. <br /> 4. Natural Area Resource Preservation: Protection of the County's natural areas, including <br /> forests, wildlife habitat, and other important open spaces should be a priority. The County <br /> should work with regional and local organizations, the towns, and private landowners to <br /> promote and achieve preservation of the County's important natural resources. <br /> 5. Preservation of Rural Land Use Pattern: The County's rural areas are a cherished <br /> component of the County's character. Future development should preserve and enhance the <br /> county's rural landscape. <br /> 6. Water Resources Preservation: The County has finite water resources to provide to future <br /> populations. The protection and management of the County's water resources should be a high <br /> priority. <br /> Chapter 5— Land Use Element, Section 5.6 Goals <br /> a. Land Use Overarching Goal: Coordination of the amount, location, pattern and designation <br /> of future land uses, with availability of County services and facilities sufficient to meet the <br /> needs of Orange County's population and economy consistent with other Comprehensive <br /> Plan element goals and objectives. <br /> b. Land Use Goal 2: Land uses that are appropriate to on-site environmental conditions and <br /> features, and that protect natural resources, cultural resources, and community character. <br /> c. Land Use Goal 3: A variety of land uses that are coordinated within a program and pattern <br /> that limits sprawl, preserves community and rural character, minimizes land use conflicts, <br /> supported by an efficient and balanced transportation system. <br /> d. Land Use Goal 6: A land use planning process that is transparent, fair, open, efficient, and <br /> responsive. <br /> e. Natural and Cultural Resources Overarching Goal: A sustainable balance and appreciation <br /> of natural, cultural and agricultural resources. <br /> Staff Comment <br /> Professional survey work completed in March 2024 revealed a discrepancy with Orange County's <br /> mapped watershed boundary lines, which are based upon the State's delineation of water supply <br /> watershed boundaries. As a matter of policy, the State advises delegated programs such as Orange <br /> County to notify the elected body of the watershed boundary change for formal recognition. Orange <br /> County Planning staff informed the Orange County Board of Commissioners (BOCC) of the <br /> watershed boundary change at their May 21, 2024 meeting. At that time, the Board approved an <br /> amendment to the Back Creek Protected Watershed Overlay District and Upper Eno Protected <br /> Watershed Overlay District boundary line and authorized the Planning Director to initiate a Zoning <br /> Atlas Amendment. <br /> Based on staff review and coordination with the NC Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources <br /> (NC DEMLR) Water Supply Watershed Protection Coordinator, the sealed professional survey <br /> represents the most recent and accurate data and should be recognized as the true rid eline and <br /> 4 <br />