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16 <br />A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis <br />to refer the proposed amendments to the Planning Board for a recommendation to be <br />returned to the BOCC no sooner than August 19, 2003. <br />VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br />2. Orange County Subdivision Regulations Text Amendments <br />a. Amend Sections II, IV and other related sections to define and <br />regulate the open burning of trees, limbs, stumps and <br />construction debris associated with the development of <br />subdivisions. <br />This item was addressed above. <br />b. Amend Section IV-B-10. Flexible Development -Section C, <br />Open Space Standards to require that at least 75% of <br />residential lots in a proposed development be contiguous on <br />one or more sides to the system of open space. <br />Craig Benedict said that this is a requested amendment to the subdivision requirements <br />related to flexible development. Presently, the requirement for open space is 33% if the <br />flexible development option is used. The proposed amendment is an effort to explain more <br />about the functionality of the open space and the characteristics of it. He gave some <br />examples of subdivisions in the County and the configuration of the open space. The <br />intention is not to reduce the amount of lots, but to increase the accessibility of the open <br />space. <br />Commissioner Gordon asked about the 50-foot easement. Craig Benedict said that this <br />would just be open space and a 50-foot corridor would make the open space accessible <br />and would not encroach upon the adjacent properties. <br />Commissioner Gordon asked how big the path would be. Craig Benedict said that this is <br />not a requirement for a path to be put in. Commissioner Gordon pointed out that the <br />language says "pedestrian access paths". Craig Benedict said that this language could be <br />changed. The subdivision applicant will decide, with direction, what the 50-foot area should <br />look like. <br />Commissioner Jacobs asked about the side yard setbacks and Craig Benedict said 20 feet. <br />Commissioner Jacobs said that this is an improvement to the open space provisions. He <br />~, <br />suggested on page 11 - C2 -Open Space Functionality, maintenance of wildlife habitat. <br />He also suggested putting some of the language in more understandable terms for the <br />public. <br />Hunter Schofield said that some high-density developments such as affordable housing <br />might come into conflict with these amendments. He said that we might need to look at <br />how we use our open space standards to help or hinder some other County priorities. <br />Renee Price asked about the setback requirements and open space and the impact it <br />would have on lower and moderate-income housing. <br />