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100 <br /> captured within the 2030 Comprehensive Plan. The PDHRB residential district is <br /> specific to the Carolina Friends School campus. Such districts were established for <br /> specialized purposes where tracts were deemed suitable for a specific intensity of <br /> development. Development within this district was regulated by the approved 1990 <br /> Special Use Permit and subsequent modifications, which permitted the operation of <br /> Carolina Friends School. <br /> The continued use of the school will remain limited to the property and will not result <br /> in additional impacts to the surrounding parcels. Approval of the proposed zoning <br /> atlas amendment will bring the existing school site into compliance with the current <br /> UDO and allow for improvements in the areas identified in the site plan for future <br /> development, as shown on the submitted Site Plan. The proposed School: <br /> Preparatory use is permitted in the NR-CD zoning district, complies with the UDO <br /> standards, and meets the standards of evaluations as reviewed by the Planning <br /> Board. <br /> ■ Planning Principle 3A. Encouragement of Energy Efficiency, Lower Energy <br /> Consumption, and the Use of Non-Polluting Renewable Energy Resource: <br /> Decreasing the use of non-renewable resources and lowering energy consumption <br /> are encouraged in both public and private activities. The county's transportation <br /> system should be enhanced to promote more energy efficient modes of travel and <br /> improve air quality. <br /> Staff Comment: Not applicable. <br /> ■ Planning Principle 4. Natural Area Resource Protection: Protection of the County's <br /> natural areas, including forests, wildlife habitat, and other important open spaces <br /> should be a priority. The County should work with regional and local organizations, <br /> the towns, and private landowners to promote and achieve preservation of the <br /> County's important natural resources. <br /> Staff Comment: The applicant provided an Environmental Assessment and a <br /> Biological Inventory as part of the application package. County staff has reviewed and <br /> determined no significant environmental impact is expected from this project based <br /> on existing conditions. The school utilizes natural features on the property for <br /> supporting outdoor learning. Existing conditions and facilities within the required <br /> buffered areas will be maintained as needed, but not unduly expanded. <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 /> Staff Comment: The 2030 Comprehensive Plan, Appendix G, Land Use Classification <br /> and Overlay Locational Criteria, identifies the Rural Buffer Land Use Classification as <br />