A. The rural district is established to allow low density residential uses that are compatible with rural pursuits. The purpose can be accomplished by:
1. Limiting residential densities and permitted uses to those that are compatible with rural character and nearby resource production districts and sites and can be adequately supported by rural service levels.
2. Allowing small scale farming and forestry activities, and tourism and recreation uses that can be supported by rural service levels and are compatible with rural character.
3. Encouraging conservation development configurations that create permanent open space or farming areas, protect sensitive environmental features, reduce infrastructure costs and/or enhance recreational opportunities.
B. Use of this zone is appropriate in areas designated by the comprehensive plan as follows:
1. R-10 in areas designated as rural residential in the comprehensive plan that meet one or more of the following criteria:
a. Characterized by slopes that are steeper than thirty percent (30%).
b. Located within critical wildlife habitat as identified by federal, state or local agencies.
c. Contain prime agricultural soils.
d. Served by a network of public and/or private roadways that generally do not meet applicable roadway standards set forth in title 2 (public roads) of this code or appendix A (private roads) of this title or are absent.
e. Within the floodway.
f. Contain limited access to public services.
2. R-5 in areas designated rural residential in the comprehensive plan that are already developed at or near the one dwelling unit per five (5) acre density and/or do not meet the criteria for R-10 above. (Ord. 501, 11-18-2008)