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<br />Staff Comment: The applicant provided an Environmental Assessment as part of the <br />application package. Staff has reviewed and determined no significant environmental <br />impact is expected from this project based on existing conditions. Required landscape <br />buffers are provided onsite. In addition, the applicant is proposing an offsite easement <br />area around the perimeter of the realized 11.22-acre parcel to protect existing natural <br />vegetation off-site and enhance landscaping and screening of the proposed used. <br />The proposed project is located outside of the regulated 80-foot stream buffer area. <br /> <br /> Planning Principle 5. Preservation of Rural Land Use Pattern: The County’s rural <br />areas are a cherished component of the County’s character. Future development <br />should preserve and enhance the county’s rural landscape. <br /> <br />Staff Comment: 2030 Comprehensive Plan, Appendix G, Land Use Classification and <br />Overlay Locational Criteria, defines Agricultural Residential as agricultural activities <br />and associated residential and commercial uses predominate. The “storage of goods” <br />land use is consistent with the rural residential and non-residential uses located in the <br />immediate area. The proposed landscape buffer areas and offsite easement shall <br />provide additional buffering and screening to adjacent parcels and minimize impacts. <br />In addition, the project will strive to protect existing vegetation and pastureland <br />adjacent to the project area. The proposal will not disrupt the existing character of this <br />area of the County. <br /> <br /> Planning Principle 6. Water Resources Preservation: The County has finite water <br />resources to provide to future populations. The protection and management of the <br />County’s water resources should be a high priority. <br /> <br />Staff Comment: The proposed project will utilize an existing well and septic system to <br />serve the future land use, as permitted by the Orange County Division of <br />Environmental Health (Attachment 5). Per Section 3.8 of the UDO, the applicant has <br />completed a Groundwater Assessment (Attachment 1) demonstrating compliance <br />with standards limiting groundwater withdrawals for this area. In addition, the <br />applicant is proposing the use of #57 stone on all drive aisles and parking areas to <br />allow for improved water infiltration and reduced stormwater runoff. Water saving <br />measures are also proposed including low flow faucets and water efficient <br />landscaping practices. <br /> <br /> Planning Principle 7. Promotion of Economic Prosperity and Diversity: Development <br />of a diversity of new businesses and expansion of existing businesses should occur in <br />Orange County. <br /> <br />Staff Comment: The applicant is proposing a self-storage business on this site. The <br />rural setting will appropriately allow for the use to operate with minimal impacts to the <br />area, while serving the Orange County community. The site has been identified for <br />rural economic development in the NC Highway 57 Small Area Plan Study. The <br />proposal expands economic development prospects within the County, while <br />205