Pursuant to the requirements and guidelines of the National Environmental Protection Act being 42 U.S.C. §§ 4321 et seq., the Council on Environmental Protection Act, the Council on Environmental Quality, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the State Environmental Policy Act, the following is a summary of environmental considerations regarding this chapter.
(A) Abstract. The subdivision regulations will constitute a town ordinance, setting forth provisions that will aid in bringing orderly development. These regulations apply to the future subdivision of land within the town’s planning jurisdiction as authorized by the general statutes of the state, included are provisions for the orderly layout of streets; for property identifying, monumenting and recording real estate; for ensuring that adequate improvements are installed in new subdivision; and the establishment of a plat review and approval process.
(B) Environmental impact. These regulations, if adopted and adequately enforced, will have a favorable impact on the environment because of more efficient use of land, sewage collection and disposal requirements and soil erosion control requirements.
(C) Adverse environmental effects which cannot be avoided. The subdivision regulations will not create any adverse environmental effects.
(D) Alternatives. Three other alternatives exist: no ordinance, a less restrictive subdivision ordinance and a more restrictive ordinance. The first two alternatives would not produce satisfactory development controls. The third alternative would excessively retard development.
(E) The relationship between local short-term uses of man’s environmental and maintenance and enhancement of long-term productivity. The subdivision regulations require street and lot design compatible with land characteristics. A short-term consideration is that families will enjoy more pleasurable residential developments while at the same time protecting long-term productivity considerations embracing soils, vegetation and the unique mountainous topography.
(F) Irreversible and irretrievable commitments of resources. These subdivision regulations will not commit resources, but rather help direct the commitment of resources in a consistent manner.
(G) Applicable federal and state environmental controls. Federal controls include the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 being 42 U.S.C. §§ 4321 et seq. State legislation includes the state’s Environmental Policy Act of 1971 (G.S. Ch. 113A).
(H) Mitigation measures proposed to minimize impact. One of the primary purposes of subdivision regulations is to minimize the impact of development on the natural environment.
(Ord. passed - -)