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b. Land Use Goal 2: Land uses that are appropriate to on-site environmental conditions and <br /> features, and that protect natural resources, cultural resources, and community character. <br /> c. Land Use Goal 3: A variety of land uses that are coordinated within a program and pattern <br /> that limits sprawl, preserves community and rural character, minimizes land use conflicts, <br /> supported by an efficient and balanced transportation system. <br /> d. Land Use Goal 6: A land use planning process that is transparent, fair, open, efficient, and <br /> responsive. <br /> e. Natural and Cultural Resources Overarching Goal: A sustainable balance and appreciation <br /> of natural, cultural and agricultural resources. <br /> Staff Comment <br /> Professional survey work completed in March 2024 on behalf of the owner revealed a discrepancy <br /> with Orange County's mapped watershed boundary lines, which are based upon the State's <br /> delineation of water supply watershed boundaries. As a matter of policy, the State advises delegated <br /> programs such as Orange County to notify the elected body of the watershed boundary change for <br /> formal recognition. Orange County Planning staff informed the Orange County Board of <br /> Commissioners (BOCC) of the watershed boundary change at their March 18, 2025, meeting. At that <br /> time, the Board approved an amendment to the Jordan Lake Unprotected Watershed Overlay District <br /> and University Lake Protected Watershed Overlay District boundary line and authorized the Planning <br /> Director to initiate a Zoning Atlas Amendment. <br /> Based on staff review and coordination with the NC Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources <br /> (NC DEMLR) Water Supply Watershed Protection Coordinator, the sealed professional survey <br /> represents the most recent and accurate data and should be recognized as the true ridgeline and <br /> watershed boundary on the parcels. Staff notified NC DEMLR and the North Carolina Environmental <br /> Management Commission (EMC) of the change. The change was reviewed and approved by the <br /> State on October 3, 2025. <br /> This Zoning Atlas Amendment request was initiated by the Planning Director to bring this overlay <br /> district into alignment with the State-recognized watershed. No amendments are proposed to the <br /> base zoning district or Future Land Use Map. <br /> The existing RB (Rural Buffer) zoning is consistent with Appendix F, Relationships Between Land <br /> Use Classifications and Zoning Districts of the Orange County Comprehensive Land Use Plan. <br /> Any future development would be subject to regulation under the County's stormwater and water <br /> supply watershed regulations. Staff has reviewed and determined no significant environmental <br /> impact is expected from this request to amend the Watershed Protection overlay district. <br /> The Orange County staff has notified the public regarding this application, as required by Section <br /> 2.8.7 of the UDO, including mailings to neighboring property owners and posting of the property. <br /> Additionally, staff have provided all application documents on the Active Development Projects <br /> webpage. <br /> 5 <br />