OTHER-2025-092-Statement of Consistency of a Proposed Zoning Atlas Map Amendment

Browse Search

A conditional zoning district is required to permit Major Subdivisions of 21 lots or more , allowing for legislative review of the proposed site plan by the Planning Board and Board of County Commissioners to assess its suitability and apply site-specific conditions to ensure any unique aspects of the project not captured within typical development standards are met . Any site development will be subject to standards from the Orange County LIDO through the Major Subdivision process and Residential Building Permit review . Land use is limited to the site plan approved with the Conditional District in order to minimize negative impacts and ensure development remains compatible with surrounding uses of single-family residential and small commercial uses . The site -specific plan presented for the proposed zoning atlas amendment proposes 43 lots using individual septic tanks and a community well , 25 . 11 acres of dedicated open space , and amenities including a dedicated natural trails system . Any future development will be subject to regulation under the County' s stormwater and stream buffer regulations . The parcel contains floodway , streams , Special Flood Hazard Area ( 100 Year Floodplain ) , 500 Year Floodplain . Future development is not proposed to impact these features . The proposed lot count for the future subdivision does not exceed the maximum density permitted by the density regulations in the LIDO (43 lots on 61 acres = 0 . 70 dwelling units per acre ) . The applicant proposes a Flexible Subdivision following the Conservation Cluster model , which concentrates the development outside of environmentally sensitive areas . This development pattern is consistent with the 2030 Comprehensive Plan ' s stated goals , with considerations that balance the dedication of Common Open Space and minimized environmental impacts with the goal of creating housing . Common Open Space is proposed on 25 . 11 acres , or 41 . 11 % of the parcel subject to rezoning . This open space is divided between Primary Open Space , which is undisturbed areas including water features and tree preservation areas , and Secondary Open Space , which provides outdoor recreational amenities , such as unpaved walking trails for residents . Both considerations prioritize the preservation of valuable existing site features and ensure development is clustered outside of these sensitive areas . The applicant provided an Environmental Assessment as part of the application package . County staff has reviewed and determined no significant environmental impact is expected from this project based on existing conditions . The proposed Conservation Cluster Flexible Development Subdivision has taken the identified environmental features into consideration in its design and construction commitments to minimize negative impacts . Environmentally sensitive features have been preserved in dedicated open space and or committed landscaping . 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