Urban Transition Buffers (UTBs or “buffers”) provide a transition from waterbodies and environmentally sensitive areas associated with waterbodies to areas which are less fragile and appropriate for more intense uses and development. Some of the benefits of UTBs are minimizing danger to lives and properties from flooding, preserving the water carrying capacity of the waterbodies, preserving tree canopy, reducing temperatures, capturing carbon, improving air quality, providing open spaces, limiting intense uses adjacent to waterbodies and environmentally sensitive areas associated with waterbodies, and maintaining the aesthetic qualities and appearance of Cary. As part of the Cary's Land Development Ordinance, UTBs implement many of Cary's responsibilities under State and Federal law and regulations regarding stormwater management and watershed preservation and are designed to work in conjunction with erosion and sedimentation control regulations. Cary's water utility system uses surface water to provide drinking water to its citizens and the preservation of this resource is important to Cary and its citizens. General UTBs are uniform and comprehensive zoning buffers which accomplish these important benefits and purposes as well as regulating and restricting the location of buildings, structures, and land, providing yards and open spaces, all for the promotion of health, safety and the general welfare of Cary's citizens. Specialized UTBs exist to address concerns which are not present in Cary's entire zoning jurisdiction.