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33 <br /> RURAL CONSERVATION NEIGHBORHOOD (RCN) <br /> Description <br /> Rural Conservation Neighborhoods are clustered subdivisions of varying size that <br /> allow homes on smaller lots in exchange for protecting a larger portion of the site as <br /> open space. Open spaces are protected from development, controlled by easement, <br /> HOAs and/or POAs,and can be common spaces with limited passive recreational <br /> opportunities, left in a natural state, or for agricultural production. Open space is sited <br /> to prioritize existing high-quality habitats, unique landscape elements such as rock <br /> outcroppings or steep slopes,as well as prime farmland soils,streams,and riparian <br /> areas. In the case of lands to be preserved for agricultural production,the presence of <br /> prime farmland soil is a determining factor. Single-family residential homes(attached or <br /> detached) are the predominant land use, but these clustered subdivisions may include <br /> accessory uses such as common meeting and general-use buildings,community <br /> gardens and small-scale farms,and/or limited commercial operations that primarily <br /> serve the immediately surrounding community. <br /> Character, Pattern, and Land Use Vision <br /> • The intent of Rural Conservation Neighborhoods is to provide opportunities for <br /> residential and limited neighborhood commercial development within a rural <br /> setting,while also protecting the most valuable environmental and agriculturally <br /> viable portions of the site,supporting the critical ecosystem services they <br /> provide such as clean air,water,and habitat for wildlife. <br /> • Homes and buildings placed closer together promote the social interconnectivity <br /> of the immediate community within the development,also allowing for some <br /> communal and collaborative uses on the remaining lands. <br /> • A primary goal for Rural Conservation Neighborhoods is for priority open <br /> space to be conserved,such as wetlands,floodplains and alluvial soils,steep <br /> slopes, natural areas and wildlife habitats, historic and archeological sites,and <br /> wildlife corridors.As of the writing of this Plan,the currently adopted Unified <br /> Development Ordinance contains a list of Primary Open Space areas in Section <br /> 7.12. Chapter 4: Implementation includes an Action to align primary open <br /> spaces features identified in this Plan and the UDO for protection in the Rural <br /> Conservation Neighborhoods. <br /> 30 PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT <br />