Agenda - 10-01-2024; 5-a - Unified Development Ordinance Text Amendment – Landscaping Standards

Browse Search

Article 6: Development Standards25 Section 6.8: Landscaping, Buffers&Tree Protection (D)(C) If the initial LREC has expired and conditions are still deemed unsuitable for planting, an applicant may request one additional extension of up to 90 days. During periods of extreme drought, as evidenced by the official declaration of Stage 3 or greater mandatory water conservation requirements, the Planning Director, or designee, may authorize additional 90-day extensions beyond the one extension typically allowed. These extensions may be continued throughout the period in which the extreme drought conditions remain. (1=)LLThe applicant shall also acknowledge that no Final Zoning Compliance Permit shall be issued while there is an active (pending) LREC unless a Performance Guarantee, submitted in accordance with Section 2.27 of this Ordinance, has been posted with the Planning and Inspections Department. 6.8.126.8.11 Additional Standards for Economic Development Districts (A) Landscape and Tree Preservation Plan The Landscape and Tree Preservation Plan shall be prepared in accordance with the requirements of Section 6.8.4G9. (B) Preservation of Existing Features (1) Natural features such as streams and ponds, hillsides, rock formations, unique vegetation and natural areas, wildlife habitats, and other similar features must be incorporated into the overall development concept. (2) Building sites, parking areas, and other uses shall be situated in such a way as to protect existing tree stock having a diameter of one-foot or greater when measured four and a half feet above ground level. (3) Trees to be saved shall be noted on the landscape and tree preservation plan and appropriate measures to protect the tree stock from damage during construction, including no grading within the critical root zone, shall be indicated in accordance with Section 6.8.4. (4) Where possible, trees shall be protected in stands or clusters. (5) The siting efrrgvf buildings shall take advantage GfrSGeRiG views and take into eenc ideratien the im ant of n otr-lnfi�rec e s from eff_site. Mj� Where ever possible, access to views are to be preserved for adjacent property owners and passing motorists. (7) SeeniG views and visual elemeRts withmR the visual corridor shall be identified and preserved where possible 9 (C) Buffering Neighboring Uses (1) A minimum buffer of 100 feet in width is to be provided at the boundary of all Economic Development Districts. (2) In accordance with Section 6.6.4, a buffer of 100 feet in width is to be maintained adjacent to the right-of-way of interstate highways. (3) In the Buckhorn EDD, a buffer of 150 feet is required on the portion of the boundary adjacent to the Clearview Subdivision and adjoining residential area on the north side of West Ten Road. (4) In the Hillsborough EDD, a buffer of 100 feet is required along the Old 86 roadway corridor. For properties located within the EDH-1 zoning district, a 50 foot wide buffer is required. 9 Unclear how"scenic views" are defined and how staff is to enforce these two standards(5 and 7).The primary concern is that"Scenic Routes"are defined in the Comp Plan but are not identified throughout the county. Are these routes the reference for enforcement,or is it professional judgment? Orange County, North Carolina—Unified Development Ordinance Page 6-51