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87 <br /> 3. A. Encouragement of Energv Efficiency, Lower Energy Consumption and Use of Nonpollutinq <br /> Renewable Energy Resources <br /> 3. B. Promotion of Both Air Quality Protection and the Development of an Effective <br /> Transportation System: Decreasing the use of non-renewable resources and lowering energy <br /> consumption 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 improve air <br /> quality. <br /> Staff Comment: Not applicable. <br /> 4. Natural Area Resource Preservation: Protection of the County's natural areas, including <br /> forests, wildlife habitat, and other important open spaces should be a priority. The County <br /> should work with regional and local organizations, the towns, and private landowners to <br /> promote and achieve preservation of the County's important natural resources. <br /> Staff Comment: The applicant provided an Environmental Assessment and Biological <br /> Inventory as part of the application package. Staff has reviewed and determined no <br /> significant environmental impact is expected from this project based on existing <br /> conditions. The project site plan protects the existing stream on site with required <br /> stream buffering. In addition, the project strives to protect and retain existing vegetation <br /> on site. <br /> 5. Preservation of Rural Land Use Pattern: The County's rural areas are a cherished <br /> component of the County's character. Future development should preserve and enhance the <br /> county's rural landscape. <br /> Staff Comment: The existing use is harmonious with the rural character of the area and <br /> creates no conflicts with adjacent land uses. <br /> 6. Water Resources Preservation: The County has finite water resources to provide to future <br /> populations. The protection and management of the County's water resources should be a high <br /> priority. <br /> Staff Comment: The proposed project will utilize existing onsite well and septic system. <br /> 7. Promotion of Economic Prosperity and Diversity: Development of a diversity of new <br /> businesses and expansion of existing businesses should occur in Orange County. <br /> Staff Comment: The existing land use has operated at this location since 2015. The <br /> proposed modification allows for the school use to continue operations in Orange <br /> County. <br /> 8. Preservation of Community Character: Future growth and development should occur in a <br /> manner that preserves and enhances the existing character of the County, its townships, and <br /> rural crossroads communities. <br /> Staff Comment: The modifications will allow the use to remain consistent with the <br /> surrounding rural landscape identified in both the Orange County-Chapel Hill-Carrboro <br /> Joint Planning Agreement. <br /> Chapter 5— Land Use Element, Section 5.6 Goals <br /> There are several land use goals in the adopted 2030 Comprehensive Plan including: <br /> Land Use Goal 1: Fiscally and environmentally responsible, sustainable growth, consistent with <br /> the provision of adequate services and facilities and a high quality of life. <br /> 16 <br />