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Planning Director to initiate a Zoning Atlas Amendment . <br /> Staff notified NC DEMLR and the North Carolina Environmental Management <br /> Commission ( EMC ) of the change . Based on staff review and coordination with <br /> the NC Division of Energy, Mineral , and Land Resources ( NC DEMLR) Water <br /> Supply Watershed Protection Coordinator, the 2024 sealed professional survey <br /> represents the most recent and accurate data and is now recognized as the true <br /> ridgeline and watershed boundary on the parcels . <br /> This Zoning Atlas Amendment request will bring the overlay districts into <br /> alignment with the State - recognized watershed . No amendments are proposed to <br /> the base zoning district and Future Land Use Map . Accordingly, the proposal is <br /> reasonable and in the public interest, and consistent with goals/objectives <br /> outlined within the Comprehensive Plan concerning development , including : <br /> Planning Principle 2 , Sustainable Growth and Development <br /> Growth and development within the county should occur in a pattern, location, and <br /> density that is sustainable over the long- term . <br /> Planning Principle 4 , Natural Area Resource Preservation <br /> Protection of the County 's natural areas, including forests, wildlife habitat, and <br /> other important open spaces should be a priority. The County should work with <br /> regional and local organizations, the towns, and private landowners to promote <br /> and achieve preservation of the County's important natural resources. <br /> Planning Principle 5 , Preservation of Rural Land Use Pattern <br /> The County 's rural areas are a cherished component of the County 's character. <br /> Future development should preserve and enhance the county's rural landscape . <br /> Planning Principle 6 , Water Resources Preservation <br /> The County has finite water resources to provide to future populations. The <br /> protection and management of the County 's water resources should be a high <br /> priority. <br /> Land Use Element Overarching Goal <br /> Coordination of the amount, location, pattern, and designation of future land uses, <br /> with availability of County services and facilities sufficient to meet the needs of <br /> Orange County's population and economy consistent with other Comprehensive <br /> Plan element goals and objectives . <br /> Land Use Goal 2 <br /> Land uses that are appropriate to on -site environmental conditions and features, <br /> and that protect natural resources, cultural resources, and community character. <br />