Agenda 06-03-2025; 5-b - Application for Zoning Atlas Amendment – 9900 NC 57, Rougemont, Little River Township

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141 proposed "storage of goods" use will continue to present a non-residential use that is incompatible with the rural character of the area and does not present the "gateway" to Orange County that is identified as a priority in the NC Highway 57 Area Small Area Plan. This use is more appropriate to a semi-urban environment where it can serve a larger population and potential customer base, rather than introduce new impervious surfaces to the Flat River Protected Watershed. This use is a likely anchor for an activity node where one is not proposed on the County's adopted 2030 Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map. Furthermore, the go-kart track is not being demolished or, preferably, redeveloped but will remain as a deteriorating impervious surface adjacent to a new non-residential use in this rural area, creating a larger development footprint than already exists on the property. The stormwater from the new development is not being managed onsite but is instead being offset by a permanent easement elsewhere on the property, providing no treatment function to the new development. Depending on what materials are stored on-site and the level of traffic use to the site, treatment of runoff could be a relevant land use concern. As presented, MA24-0006 is both non-conforming with the Orange County UDO and inconsistent with the adopted 2030 Comprehensive Plan, particularly the following principles, goals, and objectives: Planning Principle 2. Sustainable Growth and Development: Growth and development within the county should occur in a pattern, location, and density that is sustainable over the long-term. Planning Principle 4. Natural Area Resource Protection: Protection of the County's natural areas, including forests, wildlife habitat, and other important open spaces should be a priority. The County should work with regional and local organizations, the towns, and private landowners to promote and achieve preservation of the County's important natural resources. Planning Principle 5. Preservation of Rural Land Use Pattern: The County's rural areas are a cherished component of the County's character. Future development should preserve and enhance the county's rural landscape. Planning Principle 8. Preservation of Community Character: Future growth and development should occur in a manner that preserves and enhances the existing character of the County, its townships, and rural crossroads communities. Land Use Overarching Goal: Coordination of the amount, location, pattern, and designation of future land uses, with availability of County services and facilities sufficient to meet the needs of Orange County's population and economy consistent with other Comprehensive Plan element goals and objectives. Land Use Goal 1: Fiscally and environmentally responsible, sustainable growth, consistent with the provision of adequate services and facilities and a high quality of life.