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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 09-16-1997 - 10b i 1 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: September 16, 1997 Action Agenda Item# /0• SUBJECT: Flexible Development Annual Report DEPARTMENT: Planning& Inspections PUBLIC HEARING: Yes X No BUDGET AMENDMENT REQUIRED: Yes X No ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: Emily Cameron Flexible Development Annual Report Extension 2580 (separate enclosure) 7/30/97 Draft Planning Board Minutes TELEPHONE NUMBERS: Hillsborough - 732-8181 Durham - 688-7331 Mebane -227-2031 Chapel Hill - 967-9251 PURPOSE: To receive the first annual report on Flexible Development. BACKGROUND: Section IV-B-10-H of the Subdivision Regulations requires that an annual report be presented to the Board of Commissioners which describes the major subdivision Concept Plans reviewed during the year. The purpose of the report is to evaluate the effectiveness of the standards in accomplishing the goal of Flexible Development, "to preserve agricultural and forestry lands, natural and cultural features, and rural community character." The Commissioners are to review the report , determine whether changes to the regulations are needed, and direct Staff to propose amendments, if necessary. The Flexible Development regulations went into effect on July 1, 1996. Seven (7) Concept Plans were reviewed during FY 96-97 under the new procedures and standards. Three of the seven applicants proposed Flexible Development plans using a hybrid of the conservation and cluster options for protecting open space. Based on the plans that were reviewed, some general observations can be made about the extent to which the purpose of Flexible Development was achieved. The total amount of open space reserved in the three proposed Flexible Development subdivisions is 22.18 acres. Approximately 57%(12.56 acres) of the I 2 designated open space was protected through the Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations prior to the adoption of Flexible Development. The net gain of voluntary open space in the first year of implementation was 9.62 acres, or 43%more than the protected area required by other devclopment regulations. Because of the limited number of Concept Plans reviewed, the opportunities for accomplishing the purpose of Flexible Development were also limited. Most of the reserved open space will protect streams, adjacent moderate to steep slopes, rock outcrops, forested areas, and the associated wildlife habitat. Consequently, the report does not evaluate the specific standards for the four open space development options allowed under Flexible Development. A comparison of the village standards with the Town of Chapel Hill's ordinance allowing neo- traditional developments like Meadowmont and Southern Village will be prepared as a separate report in the fall. The Flexible Development Annual Report was reviewed by the Planning Board on July 30. The Planning Board voted to accept the report and to recommend to the Board of Commissioners that additional time be allowed to evaluate the Flexible Development standards. The Planning Board also suggested that the Planning Staff proceed with proposing added incentives to promote participation in the Flexible Development program. RECOMMENDATION: The Administration recommends acceptance of the first Flexible Development Annual Report including the proposal of additional incentives for applicants. 7/30/97 PLAAIAJIAjq aCAGD M!AlUMS 3 structures that are considered non-contributing and would not be eligible for the historic designation. Barrows asked about split properties and Belk responded that there are some properties that the entire tract is not within the boundary of the proposed district. AGENDA ITEM#10: PLANNING BOARD ITEMS a. Flexible Development Annual Report Presentation by Emily Cameron. Section IV-B-10-H of the Subdivision Regulations requires that an annual report be presented to the Board of Commissioners which describes the major subdivision Concept Plans reviewed during the year. The purpose of the report is to evaluate the effectiveness of the standards in accomplishing the goal of Flexible Development,"to preserve agricultural and forestry lands,natural and cultural features,and rural community character." The Commissioners will review the report,determine whether changes to the regulations are needed,and direct Staff to propose amendments,if necessary. The Flexible Development regulations went into effect on July 1, 1996. Seven Concept Plans were reviewed under the new procedures and standards. Three of the seven applicants each proposed Flexible Development plans using a hybrid of the conservation and cluster options for protecting open space. Consequently,the report does not evaluate the specific standards for the four open space development options allowed under Flexible Development. Based on the plans that were reviewed,some general observations can be made about the extent to which the purpose of Flexible Development was achieved. A comparison of the village standards with the Town of Chapel Hill's ordinance allowing neo-traditional developments like Meadowmont and Southern Village will be prepared as a separate report in the fall. Discussion indicated that more time and experience is needed before making further recommendations regarding Flexible Development. Strayhorn and Walters both indicated the need for more incentives to encourage the use of flexible development,particularly some of the options that have not yet been utilized. MOTION: Price moved to accept the report and recommended the addition of more incentives before evaluating and making changes to Flexible Development. Seconded by Selkirk. VOTE: Unanimous. b. Transportation Improvement Program Presentation by Slade McCalip.