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102 <br /> designation of future land uses, with availability of County services and facilities <br /> sufficient to meet the needs of Orange County's population and economy consistent <br /> with other Comprehensive Plan element goals and objectives. <br /> Staff Comment: <br /> The zoning atlas amendment with a site-specific plan as proposed for conditional <br /> approval is consistent with the 2030 Comprehensive Plan's stated goals. The school <br /> has existing approval for operation by a 1990 Special Use Permit, but to continue <br /> providing education facilities for all ages of students, future development and growth <br /> is required. This future development necessitates the approval of a zoning atlas <br /> amendment to bring the school use into compliance with the current UDO. The <br /> proposal will not change the existing use of the parcels and will allow the school to <br /> expand as proposed in response to population growth in the County. The proposed <br /> project shall remain compatible with minimal negative impacts to the immediate area. <br /> ■ Land Use Goal 2: Land uses that are appropriate to on-site environmental conditions <br /> and features, and that protect natural resources, cultural resources, and community <br /> character. <br /> Staff Comment: Carolina Friends School has a stated commitment to creating an <br /> environmentally conscious learning experience, with design considerations of the <br /> exterior environmental learning facilities, such as stream buffers and wetlands, as <br /> well as walking trails, Campus Market, gardens, and solar facilities. <br /> Two parcels included in the zoning atlas amendment contain the Special Flood <br /> Hazard Area (100 Year Floodplain) and 500 Year Floodplain, as well as a +/- 1.5-acre <br /> pond. Future development of the school facilities is not proposed to impact these <br /> features. <br /> ■ Land Use Goal 3: A variety of land uses that are coordinated within a program and <br /> pattern that limits sprawl, preserves community and rural character, minimizes land <br /> use conflicts, supported by an efficient and balanced transportation system. <br /> Staff Comment: The existing use is consistent with the future land use classification <br /> designated for the Rural Buffer by the 2030 Comprehensive Plan, Appendix F. The <br /> applicant proposes conditions to meet UDO standards for development, including <br /> landscaping, parking, and lighting. The school will maintain existing vegetation to <br /> continue buffering from neighbors and prevent negative impacts. Any site <br /> development will be subject to standards from the Orange County UDO and limited to <br /> the site plan held with the conditional district in order to protect neighboring <br /> residential properties and minimize land use conflicts. <br /> ■ Land Use Goal 6: A land use planning process that is transparent, fair, open, <br /> efficient, and responsive. <br /> Staff Comment: The Orange County staff has noticed the public regarding this <br />