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208 <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, particularly Appendix G: Land Use <br /> Classification and Overlay Locational Criteria, identifies the Rural Community Activity <br /> Node land use classification as "land focused on designated road intersections which <br /> serves as a nodal crossroads for the surrounding rural community and is an <br /> appropriate location for any of the following uses: church, fire station, small post <br /> office, school, or other similar institutional uses and one or more commercial uses." <br /> The subdivision proposed with the binding site plan adheres to the density of rural <br /> development reflected in the surrounding area's residential land use patterns, with an <br /> overall density of 1 dwelling unit per 1.42 acres, not including the property owner's <br /> future parcel. It does, however, achieve this by concentrating lots to protect the more <br /> sensitive areas of the land from development, respecting the rural character and <br /> environmental protections prioritized by the Comprehensive Plan. This measured <br /> approach is compatible with the nodal crossroads location, introducing more <br /> households in an environmentally-sensitive conservation cluster pattern that will <br /> support the node's present and future non-residential uses while being consistent with <br /> the residential development densities of the surrounding area. <br /> Any development resulting from the Conditional District rezoning approval will <br /> conform with all applicable UDO regulations to ensure development does not create <br /> undue impacts to the surrounding uses of single-family residential and small <br /> commercial uses. <br /> The binding site plan subject to the Conditional District proposes Common Open <br /> Space on 25.11 acres, or 41.11% of the parcel subject to rezoning. The applicant has <br /> stated a commitment to ensuring that the rural and historic character of the <br /> community is incorporated into the design of the neighborhood and architecture of the <br /> shared amenities. Exhibits addressing rural and historic character are included in the <br /> conditions offered by the applicant. <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 /> Staff Comment: The site-specific plan presented for the proposed zoning atlas <br /> amendment proposes the use of a community well. The future subdivision will not <br /> require use of public utilities. Any future development will be subject to regulation <br /> under the County's stormwater and stream buffer regulations. <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 />