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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNSN ORD-1996-039 Subdivision Regulations Text Amendment - Cluster Subdivisions in Rural Buffer 1 ORANGECOUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: October 1. 1996 Action Agenda Item # 8-L' SUBJECT: SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS TEXT AMENDMENT(Cluster Subdivisions in Rural Buffer) Section IV-B-9 Cluster Developments Section III-D Approval Procedures for Major Subdivisions Section V-A Specifications for Plat Drawings(Concept Plans in Rural Buffer) DEPARTMENT: PLANNING PUBLIC HEARING Yes_X No BUDGET AMENDMENT REQUIRED Yes_X—No ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: Proposed Amendment Mary Willis 8/26/96 Public Hearing Minutes(draft) Extension 2583 9/4/96 Planning Board Minutes(draft) TELEPHONE NUMBERS: Hillsborough-732-8181 Durham -688-7331 Mebane -227-2031 Chapel Hill-967-9251 PURPOSE: To consider a proposed amendment to re-adopt cluster subdivision provisions and Concept Plan application and approval procedures in the Rural Buffer. BACKGROUND On May 1, 1996, the Board of Commissioners approved Flexible Development regulations to encourage the preservation of open space in subdivision designs. The flexible development provisions superseded the previous cluster subdivision provisions and they were deleted from the ordinance. Also deleted were the previous application and approval procedures for Concept Plan, replaced by the flexible development application and approval procedures. 2 The flexible development provisions are applicable in all residential zoning districts except the Rural Buffer .Deleting the previous cluster regulations and Concept Plan application and approval procedures had the unintended result of eliminating those provisions in the Rural Buffer. The Planning Staff recommends that the previous provisions be re-adopted to apply to that district only. The proposed amendment was presented for public hearing on August 26, 1996. There were no comments. The Planning Board considered the proposed amendment on September 4, 1996 and recommended approval. The vote was unanimous. RECOMMENDATION: Close the public hearing and receive the Planning Board recommendation. The Administration recommends approval of the proposed amendment. 3 PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDMENT ORDINANCE: SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS REFERENCE: IV-13-9 Cluster Developments III-D Approval Procedures for Major Subdivisions V-A Specifications for Plat Drawings(Concept Plans in Rural Buffer) ORIGIN OF AMENDMENT: X Staff Planning Board BOCC Public Other: STAFF PRIORITY RECOMMENDATION: X_High Middle Low Comment: PUBLIC HEARING DATE: August 26, 1996 PURPOSE OF AMENDMENT: To consider an amendment to the Subdivision Regulations applicable in the Rural Buffer, to allow cluster subdivisions and to specify Concept Plan application and approval procedures. IMPACTS/ISSUES: On May 1, 1996, the Board of Commissioners approved Flexible Development regulations to encourage the preservation of open space in subdivision designs. The flexible development provisions are applicable in all residential zoning districts except the Rural Buffer. Because the Rural Buffer is in the Joint Planning Area, application of the flexible development regulations would have required approval of the governing boards of Orange County, Chapel Hill and Carrboro. Prior to adoption of the flexible 'development regulations, Section IV-13-10 consisted of standards and procedures for cluster subdivisions, and was applicable to all residential zoning districts. The flexible development provisions superseded the previous cluster subdivision provisions and they were deleted from the ordinance. Also deleted were the previous application and approval procedures for Concept Plan, replaced by the flexible development application and approval procedures. Deleting the previous cluster regulations had the unintended result of eliminating any provision for clustering in the Rural Buffer. Until such time as subdivision regulations pertaining to the Rural Buffer are revised to reflect alternative development strategies such as flexible development or the previously-recommended rural character strategies, development there will be limited to conventional subdivision design, with each lot containing a minimum area of two acres (two acres/five acres in University Lake Watershed). 4 Deleting the previous Concept Plan application and approval procedures had the unintended result of leaving no provisions for Concept Plan approval in the Rural Buffer. Since it was not the expressed intent of the Board of Commissioners to eliminate cluster subdivisions or Concept Plan requirements in the Rural Buffer, the Planning Staff recommends that the previous provisions be re-adopted. The text is modified as needed to reflect that the provisions are only applicable in the Rural Buffer. Approval of this amendment would maintain the opportunity to provide open space and protect sensitive resources through subdivision design until other regulations specific to the Rural Buffer are adopted by the three governing boards. EXISTING ORDINANCE PROVISIONS AND PROPOSED AMENDMENT: SECTION IV - REQUIRED MINIMUM DESIGN STANDARDS IV-B-9 CLUSTER DEVELOPMENTS LY_B=La Inte � Cluster development allows for greater design flexibility and originals permit the reasonable use of land with difficult physical conditions !topography, floodplain, unique natural areas. etc. respect the physical qualities of the land. reduce the overall development and public costs and, preserve open space to serve recreational. scenic and public service purposes. Cluster developments permit the modification and variation of lot and , requirements Provided that the sum of reductions in lot area becomes common open and for recreation space for the benefit of all residents of the cluster development or for dedication to public use. Cluster development may be required where protection of environmental resources identified in "An Inventory of Site of Cultural, Historic. Recreational, Biological. and Geological Significance in the Unincorporated Portions of Orange County" or "Inventory of the Natural Areas and Wildlife Habitats of Orange County- North Carolina" cannot be accomplished through the development of a standard subdivision Otherwise cluster developments are an option for the developer. However. all cluster developments whether q ' ed or opted for by the developer, shall be done in compliance with the provisions and standards related to or referring to cluster developments contained in this Section. IV-B-9-b Application Criteria Cluster developments may be approved in the Rural Buffer zoning district upon the following findings. a) The tract is a minimum of 400,000 square feet 5 �2 -A-=roved water supply and wastewater treatment systems are available and each lot is served by separate water supply and es werage connections. C) The total number of lots proposed for the tract. excluding parcels o reserved recreation/open space is not greater than the number determined by dividing the gross land area, excluding public and private road ri t -of-way by the minimum lot size required for the Rural Buffer zoning district and University Lake Watershed (where applicable). d) The recreation/open pace reserved within the tract conforms Section IV-B-7-b. el The minimum amount of land reserved as recreation/opensnace shall be the sum of all reductions in minimum lot area as a result of the cluster form of development and/or the minimum recreation/open space required in Section IV-B-7-b- whichever is greater. f) Cluster opgn r space shall not include areas devoted to public or private vehicular streets. g,) Cluster developments in the UNIV-PH and UNIV-CA Watershed Protection Overlay Districts shall comply with the development standards as set forth in Article 6.23.9 of the Oran2e Co=ty Zoning Ordinance. IV-B-9-c Reductions in Lot and Setback Requirements For lots created as part of a cluster development. minimum lot area, lot width and setback requirements as specified in Article 4.1.2 of the Orange o my Zoning Ordinance may be reduced as set forth below. a minimum lot ments may be reduced to no less than one acre. b Minimum lot width requirements may be reduced to no less than 104 f�. C. Minimum front setback requirements may be reduced to thirty (30) feet except where the front lot line forms an exterior boundary of the cluster development. I Minimum rear and side setback requirements may be reduced to ten (10) feet except where the rear and side lot line forms an exterior boundary of the cluster development, IV-B-9-d Ownership of and Conveyance of Cluster Recreation/Open Space 6 a. Cluster recreation/open space shall be dedicated public unless the Board of Commissioners finds that the size. location, type of development or cost of development or maintenance of such space or the availability of public open/recreation space would make ,public use undesirable or unnecessary. b. The applicant may reQuest that the cluster recreation/opgn space be designated for private use. C. If cluster open/recreation space is not dedicated for public use, it shall be subject to approved legal arrangements sufficient to assure its maintenance and preservation for the intended purpose as provided in Section V - Specifications for Plat Drawings. d. Open space designed to protect environmental resources identified in "An Inventory of Sites of Cultural. Historic, Recreational. Biological. and Geological Significance in the Unincorporated Portions of Orange County" or "Inventory of the Natural Areas and Wildlife Habitats of Orange County. North Carolina" shall be adequately protected through dedication of conservation easements. dedication to Orange County- restrictive covenants. or other means.found appropriate for the long-term preservation of the particular site or resource. IV-B-9-e Approval of Major Subdivision Preliminary Plan or Minor Subdivision Final Plat ftr Cluster Subdivisions) An approved major subdivision preliminary plan or minor subdivision Final Plat shall provide for a total environment better than that which could be achieved under standard regulations and must meet the following criteria: (a) Individual lots, buildings and streets shall be designed and situated to minimize alteration of the natural site features to be preserved (b) The usability of cluster open/recreation space shall be determined b,.,y, the size, shape. topographic and location requirements specified in Section IV-B-7-b. �C) Cluster ope�pace shall include irreplaceable natural features such ac but not limited to. streams. significant stands of trees individual trees of significant size and/or species unco_ mmon plant co munkji & wildlife habitats and rock outcroppings= (d) Cluster recreation space shall be easily accessible to pedestrians including the handicapped. 7 (e) The suitability of cluster npen,apz .e intended for scenic value shall be determined by its v sibili from adjoining propert1es and streets and shall seek to lessen the area devoted o motor-vehicle access (f) Diversity and originality in lot layout shall be encouraged to achiev the best possible relationship between the land and the development, (g) IJp to one-fourth of the land with slopes greater than fifteen l2ercent (15%) may be removed or altered only when such slopes are small and isolated and do not otherwise adversely affect the design of the development. (h) At least twenty percent (20%) of the gross land area is designated as common open space. No more than fifty percent (50%) of the required common open space shall be used exclusively for sewage treatment systems. utilities- or other uses which prohibit access by the residents of the cluster subdivision. This restriction does not apply to areas of historic or natural significance which may be protected by access restrictions. IV-B-9-f Application Requirements (For Cluster Subdivisions) In addition to the information specified in Section V-C for Major Subdivision Preliminary Plans or Section V-D for Minor Subdivision Final Plats, applications must be accompanied by: a. Application shall be identified as a Cluster Development Subdivision. b. A precise description of the extent to which the proposed modifications depart from the standard requirements of the applicable mooning district and the reasons for such doartures. C. The location- Z= and area of the common open apace and the addeguaa y of the amount and function of the open space in terms of densities and dwellim =es proposed. d Written site anal}his accompanied by an illustrative site map, which identifies the following: 1. slopgs 7 112 - 15% 2. slopes 15% and greater 3. vegetation 4 signficant stands of trees 5 significant examples of particular species of tree occurring in a native stand and specimen trees (those which have departed in some respect from the standard characteristics of the specie and developed a character of shape, size or branch structure that gives them a special interest 8 6. drainage and waterways 7. floodplains 8 significant rock outcropping 9. significant scenic vistas 10 soils with limitation for on-site wastewater systems and building development e The manner in which the plan makes adequate provision for water and wastewater treatment. f The relationship of the plan to the physical environment the neighborhood in which it is 12mposed to be established and the intent of the provisions providing for the establishment of a cluster subdivision. SECTION III - APPLICATION AND APPROVAL PROCEDURES III-D. Approval Procedures for Major Subdivisions III-D-1. Concept Plan Approval in all Zoning Districts Except the Rural Buffer III-D-2 Concept Plan Approval in the Rural Buffer Zoning District III-D-2a. Application Requirements Prior to the submission of a Preliminary Plat,the subdivider shall submit to the Planning Department sixteen(16)copies of a Concept Plan of the proposed major subdivision. The Concept Plan shall be prepared in accordance with the S12ecifications for Concept Plan drawings as contained in Section V-B of this Ordinance. III-D-2-b. Planning Department Review Procedures Upon receipt of the Concept Plan. the Planning Department shall review the proposal for general compliance with the requirements of this Ordinance and the Zoning Ordinance, if applicable including the presence of any sites identified in Inventory of Sites of Cultural. Historic.- Recreational. Biological and Geological sign' cance in e Unincorporated Portions of Orange County"and "Inventory of the Natural Areas and Wildlife Habitats of Orange Coun, . North Carolina". The Planning Department shall also consider the general suitabilitX of the land for development to avoid unnecessary expense in the redesign of 9 acceptable subdivision proposals The Planning_Department shall review the proposal for compatibility with the Orange County Comprehensive Plan ands particular determine if proposed sites for schools and other public/private facilities are to be reserved and/or provided. Within forty-five (45) days of the date of acceptance of the Concept Plan or within such further time consented to in writing by the applicant, the Planning Department shall submit to the Planning Board a written analysis of the Concept Plan and its recommendation. If the Planning Department fails to prepare a report to the Planning Board within the specified time period. or extension thereof,the Concept Plan is recommended without conditions. III-D-2-c. Planning Board Review and Approval Procedures After receiving the Planning.Department's report or. if applicable. the expiration of the time period prescribed in Section III-D-1-b. the Planning Board shall consider the Concept Plan and take action on the proposal. The Planning Board shall base its action on its findings as to the conformity of the Concept Plan with all applicable regulations and shall: (1) Approve the Concept Plan. (?.)_Approve the Concept Plan subject to conditions: or (3) Deny the Concept Plan. If the Planning Board approves the Concept Plan subject to conditions, such conditions shall be reasonable and shall seek to insure compliance with applicable regulations If the Planning Board approves the Concept Plan with conditions or denies the Concgptp Plan_ the reasons for such decision shall be stated in writing to the applicant and entered into the minutes of the meeting at which such action was taken. The Planning Board shall take action within forty-five (45) days of the meeting at which the Planning Department's report is submitted to it or within such farther time consented to in writing hy the =Iicant If the Planning Board fails to take action within the specified time ep riod, or extension thereof. the Planning; Board shall be deemed to recommend approval of the Concept Plan without conditions, III-D-2-d Action Subsequent to Approval If the Concept Plan is approved or approved with conditions the Planning Board Chair shall endorse his/her approval on two (2) copies of the Concept Plan One (1) copy of the Concept Plan shall be retained by the Planning Department an d one(1) copy_shall be returned tote subdivider or his/her authorized agent Upon approval of the Conce tp Plan by the Planning Board, the subdivider may proceed with the preparation of the Preliminary Plat. 10 From the date of approval of the Concept Plan by the Planning Board the applicant shall have one (1) year in which to prepare and file an application for Preliminary Plat approval If a Preliminary Plat for the subdivision has not been submitted within the specified time limit.the Concept Plan shall become null and III-D-2-e Appeal Procedures The decision of the Planning Board regarding a Concept Plan may be appealed to the Board of Commissioners If appealed. the Concept Plan shall be placed on the next regular meeting agenda of the Board of Commissioners The Board of Commissioners shall have final approval authority, and. where applicable. all Concept Plans shall contain information and/or conditions approved by the Board of Commissioners. The Board of Commissioners in all such appeals shall make findings of fact in support of its decision The applicant shall be notified. in writing. of the Board of Commissioners' decision within ten(10)days after said decision is made III-D-23- Preliminary Plan Approval III-D-34 Final Plat Approval SECTION V- SPECIFICATIONS FOR PLAT DRAWINGS VA. Applieebility The requirements of this Section shall apply to the format of drawings. V-A Concept Plan for Subdivisions in Rural Buffer Zoning District A Concept Plan shall be drawn in black ink or pencil to a scale of not less than two hundred(200) feet to the inch. The scale chosen shall be large enouah to show all required detail clearly and legibly. The plan shall contain the following information: (1) A sketch vicinity mgp showing the location of the subdivision in relation to the existing street or highway system: (2) The plotted boundaries of the tract from deeds or maps of record and the portion of the tract to be subdivided; 11 (3) The total acreage to be subdivided including tax man block and lot number reference: (4) General descriptions of existing and proposed land uses within the subdivision and the existing uses of land adjoining it. including but not limited to readily identifiable easements. burial grounds existing structures,natural areas floodplain and watershed boundaries railroad and meet rights-of-way, major wood lines water supply and sewage disposal lines. and storm drainage facilities which can be determined from aerial photographs. maps of record State/Federal resource maps and local planning documents: (5) The proposed street layout within the subdivision including_ travelway an d rig t-of-way widths. and connection to existing streets: (6) The proposed arrangement of lots within the subdivision. including size and number: (7) The name. address and telephone number of the subdivider or owner and the person responsible for the subdivision design: (8) Scale. approximate north arrow and date of plat preparation:and (9) Name of subdivision. Two (2) copies of the Concept Plan shall be submitted to the Planning Department for review and approval in accordance with Section III-C-1 for minor subdivisions. Twenty-five (25)copies of the Concept Plan should be submitted to the Planning Department for review and approval in accordance with Section III-D-1 for major subdivisions. A copy of the appropriate Orange County Tax Map shall accompany the Concept Plan. V-B Concept Plan for all Zoning Districts Except the Rural Buffer V-C. Preliminary Plat V-D Final Plat ORDINANCE REVIEW SUBCOMMTTEE: 7/3/96 PLANNING BOARD REVIEW: BOCC REVIEW: 12 September 4 , 1996 Planning Board Minutes (draft) 5. Shorten the cut de sac by approximately 100 feet,shift house sites southeast, and provide a larger buffer adjacent to the curve in Moorefields Road; 6. On the Preliminary Plan,indicate the entrance to Moorefields National Register Historic Site and the stream channel for Rocky Run;and 7. With the Preliminary Plan,submit draft forms of homeowners association' documents,restrictive covenants,and septic easement documents which contain development restrictions and maintenance requirements for open space and buffers. AGENDA ITEM#9: MATTERS HEARD AT PUBLIC HEARING 8/26/96 a. Subdivision Regulations Text Amendments (1) Section IV-B-5-e Lot Layout Presentation by Mary Willis. This item is to consider a proposed amendment to clarify Section IV-B-5-e by substituting the word"divided"for the word"separated". The proposed amendment would provide more clarity in the text. It would not result in a substantive change to any regulation. The amendment was presented for public hearing on August 26, 1996. There were no comments. The Planning Staff recommends approval bf the proposed amendment. (Copy of the proposed amendment an attachment to these minutes on page ) MOTION: Barrows moved approval as recommended by the Planning Staff. Seconded by Katz. VOTE: Unanimous. (2) Section IV-13-9 Cluster Developments Section III-D Approval Procedures for Major Subdivisions Section V-A Specifications for Plat Drawings (Concept Plans in Rural Buffer) Presentation by Mary Willis. This item is to consider a proposed amendment to re-adopt cluster subdivision provisions and Concept Plan application and approval procedures in the Rural Buffer. 13 On May 1, 1996,the Board of Commissioners approved Flexible Development regulations to encourage the preservation of open space in subdivision designs. The flexible development provisions superseded the previous cluster subdivision provisions and they were deleted from the ordinance. Also deleted were the previous application and approval procedures for Concept Plan,replaced by the flexible development application and approval procedures. The flexible development provisions are applicable in all residential zoning districts except the Rural Buffer. Deleting the previous cluster regulations and Concept Plan application and approval procedures had the unintended result of eliminating those provisions in the Rural Buffer. The Planning Staff recommends that the previous provisions be re-adopted to apply to that district only. The proposed amendment was presented for public hearing on August 26, 1996. There were no comments. The Planning Staff recommends approval of the proposed amendment. MOTION: Katz moved approval as recommended by the Planning Staff. Seconded by Hoecke. VOTE: Unanimous. (3) Section III-E(new)Improvements(was V-D-8) Section III-C-2e Application Requirements(Minor subdivisions) Section III-D-2-a(7)Application Requirements(Preliminary Plat) Section III-D-3a Application Requirements(Final Plat) Presentation by Emily Cameron. This item is for consideration of proposed amendments to the Subdivision Regulations to relocate provisions regarding required improvements from Section V,"Plat Specifications",to Section III,"Application and Approval Procedures",rewrite the section for clarity and to add language regarding construction cost estimates and financial guarantees. The proposed amendment is technical in nature to provide clarity and cohesiveness to the Subdivision Regulations. The only new text being added is to specify requirements for construction cost estimates and financial guarantees submitted when improvements are not completed prior to Final Plat approval. The Planning Staff consulted with the County Attorney,the County Engineer and developers to draft the new text. The proposed ordinance language specifies that a financial guarantee must be effective for 372 days,which allows one year for the applicant to complete subdivision improvements and a week for the County to"cash-in"the letter of credit or escrow agreement,in the event the improvements are not finished in an acceptable manner within a year. It also requires that the construction cost estimate be itemized with quantities and unit prices so that the County Engineer can verify that the estimate total is sufficient to complete a project according to approved plans. In addition,the new text prohibits anyone with ownership interest in the subdivision from preparing the construction cost estimate and eliminates the DRAFT 14 1 8/26/96 Public Hearing Minutes 2 3. Subdivision Regulations Text Amendments 3 (a) Section IV-8-5-e Lot Layout 4 This item was presented by Mary Willis to consider a proposed amendment to clarity 5 Section IV4"-e by substibiting the word'divided'for the word'separated'. The proposed amendment would 6 provide more clarity in the text. It would not result in a substantive change to any regulation. 7 $ COMMENTS ANDIOR QUESTIONS FROM THE BOARD OF CO MISSIONIE -None 9 10 CONK M AND/OR QUESTIONS FROM THE PLANNING BOARD -None 11 12 COMMEENIS ANDIOR QUESTIONS FROM CITIZENS -None 13 14 A nation was made by Comrnissioner 11Y01hoit,seconded by Commissioner Gordon,to refer the proposed 15 amendment to the Planning Board for a recommendation to be returned to the Board of Commissioners no 16 sooner than October 1,19%. 17 VOTE: UNANIMOUS 18 19 (b) Securing Subdivision Improvements 20 1)Section III-E(new)Improvements(was V-D-8) 21 2)Section 111-C-2*Application Requirements(Minor Subdivisions) 22 3)Section III-D-2-a.(7)Application Requirements(Preliminary Plat) 23 4)Section III-D-U Application Requirements(Final Plat) 24 This iMm was presented to receive citizen comment on proposed amendments 25 to the Subdivision Regulations to relocate provisions regarding required improvements from Section V,'Plat 26 Specifications."to Section III,"Application and Approval Procedures."rewrite the section for clarity and to add 27 language regarding construction costs estimates and financial guarantees. 28 29 COMMEM AN 10R QUESTIONS FROM THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS-None 30 31 COMMENTS ANDIOR QUEMNS N THE PLANNINQ BOARD -None 32 33 COMMENTS ANDIog QUESTIONS FROM CITIZENS -None 34 35 A motion was made by Commissioner WlBhoit,seconded by Commissioner Crowther,to refer the proposed 36 amendment to the Planning Board for a recommendation to be returned to the Board of Conm>issioners no 37 sooner than October 1,19%. 38 VOTE: UNANIMOUS 39 (c) Cluster Subdivision Provisions 40 1)Section N-8-9 Cluster Developments 41 2)Section 111-0 Approval Procedures for Major Subdivisions 42 3)Section V-A Specifications for Plat Drawings 43 This item was presented to consider a proposed amendment to re-adopt duster 44 subdivision provisions and Concept Plan application and approval procedures in the Rural Buffer. The flexible 45 development provisions are applicable in all residential zoning districts except the Rural Buffer. Deleting the 46 previous cluster regulations and Concept Plan application and approval procedures had the unintended result 47 of ellminaating those provisions in the Rural Buffer. The Planning Staff recommends that the previous provisions 48 be re-adopted tD apply to that district only. 49 50 COMMENTS AND/OR GUESTIONS FROM THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS-None 51 52 commENTs ANMR C L-STIONS FROM THE PLANNING BOARD -None 53 54 COMMENTS ND10R OU ONS FROM CITIZENS -None 5b 8. ITEMS FOR DECISION -CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Commissioner Crowther, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve the items on the Consent Agenda as stated below: A. The appointments for the Planning Board will be considered as a separate item. The Board approved the following appointments: Carrboro Board of Adjustment Stephen J. Dear for an unexpired term ending 3/30/98 Commission for Women Deborah VanDyken for an unexpired term ending 6/30/97 Orange County Statewide School Bond Committee B. Crowder-Gaines Guido DeMaere David Hunt Judy White b. Minutes The Board approved the minutes for April 18 and April 25, 1996 as presented. C. Subdivision Regulations Text Amendments -Securing Improvements The Board closed the public hearing and approved the proposed amendments to the Subdivision Regulations to relocate provisions regarding required improvements from Section V, "Plat Specifications,"to Section III, "Application and Approval Procedures," rewrite the section for clarity and to add language regarding construction cost estimates and financial guarantees. d. Subdivision Regulations Text Amendment -Lot Layout The Board closed the public hearing and received the Planning Board recommendation. They approved a proposed amendment to clarify Section IV-B-S-e by substituting the word "divided" for the word "separated". e. Subdivision Regulations Text Amendments:Clustered Subdivisions in Rural Buffer The Board closed the public hearing and received the Planning Board recommendation. They approved a proposed amendment to re-adopt cluster subdivision provisions and Concept Plan application and approval procedures in the Rural Buffer. L PD-1-96 Carolina Friends School The Board closed the public hearing and received the Planning Board recommendation. They approved the administration's recommendation of the modification to the Special Use Permit for Carolina Friends school based on the findings as stated in the agenda and subject to the following condition added to those placed on the Special Use Permit in 1990 and 1992: 1. The entrance and driveway are to be kept free and clear of traffic and parked vehicles at all times and clearly identified as fire lanes with reflective signs mounted on posts. The signs shall be installed under the guidance and supervision of the Orange County Fire Marshal's office and shall meet the provisions of Chapter 6 of the North Carolina State Building Code,Volume V, Fire Prevention, 1996 Edition. g, Revised Time Schedule for Golf Course Standards Initiative