Agenda 10-07-2025; 5-a - Zoning Atlas Amendment – 3531 NC Highway 54 W, Chapel Hill, Bingham Township

Browse Search

215 The applicant has stated a commitment to ensuring that the rural and historic character of the community is incorporated into the design of the neighborhood and architecture of the shared amenities. Exhibits addressing rural and historic character are included in the conditions offered by the applicant. The applicant also has volunteered to make turn lane improvements on NC 54, including a northbound right turn lane and a southbound center left turn lane to provide for access to the subdivision's driveway entrance. These improvements would require approval, permitting, and engineer review by NCDOT, which has regulatory authority on NC 54. These improvements are being made even though the applicant's own traffic analysis demonstrated that their new homes will not adversely affect the traffic and safety conditions on NC 54. Rather, this improvement was volunteered in response to public concerns, including those of the Volunteer Fire Chief, who was satisfied with the proposed condition. The future land use proposed through the Conditional District rezoning's binding site plan adheres to the density of rural development reflected in the surrounding area's residential land use patterns, with an overall density of 1 dwelling unit per 1.42 acres, not including the property owner's future parcel. It achieves this by concentrating lots to protect the more sensitive areas of the land from development, respecting the rural character and environmental protections prioritized by the Comprehensive Plan. This measured approach is compatible with the nodal crossroads location, introducing more households in an environmentally-sensitive conservation cluster pattern that will support the node's present and future non-residential uses while being consistent with the residential development densities of the surrounding area. The Orange County staff has noticed the public regarding this application, as required by Sections 2.8.7, 2.9.1(D), and 2.9.2 of the UDO, including a required Neighborhood Information Meeting, mailings to neighboring property owners, posting of the property, and advertisement in the local newspapers. Additionally, staff have provided all application documents on the Active Development Projects webpage. c. As such, the Rigsbee Residential — Conditional District (R-CD) zoning amendment is consistent with the 2030 Comprehensive Plan s because it supports the following: ■ 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.