(A) (1) A conservation subdivision provides an alternative lot size and layout option which generally utilizes the clustering of houses and the dedication of remaining land to conservation areas.
(2) The purposes of this subchapter, among others, are as follows:
(a) To implement adopted land use, transportation and community policies, as identified in the County Comprehensive Plan;
(b) To conserve open land, including those areas containing unique and sensitive natural features such as woodlands, steep slopes, streams, floodplains and wetlands, by setting them aside from development;
(c) To protect areas of the county with productive agricultural soils for continued or future agricultural use, by conserving blocks of land large enough to allow for efficient farm operation;
(d) To provide greater design flexibility and efficiency in the siting of services and infrastructure, including the opportunity to reduce the length of roads, utility runs and the amount of paving required for residential development;
(e) To reduce erosion and sedimentation by the retention or existing vegetation and the minimization of development on steep slopes;
(f) To provide for a diversity of lot sizes, building densities and housing choices to accommodate a variety of age and income groups, and residential preferences, so that the county’s population diversity may be maintained;
(g) To implement adopted county policies to conserve a variety of irreplaceable and environmentally sensitive resource lands as set forth in the County Comprehensive Plan;
(h) To create neighborhoods with direct visual access to open land, with amenities in the form or neighborhood open space, and with a strong neighborhood identity;
(i) To provide for the conservation and maintenance of open land in the county to achieve the above mentioned goals and for active or passive recreational use by residents;
(j) To provide multiple options for landowners in order to minimize impacts on environmental resources (sensitive lands such as wetlands, floodplain and steep slopes) and disturbance of natural or cultural features (such as mature woodlands, hedgerows and tree lines, wildlife habitats, historic buildings and other cultural features);
(k) To provide standards reflecting the varying circumstances and interests of individual landowners, and the individual characteristics of their properties; and
(l) To conserve scenic views and elements of the county’s rural character, and to minimize perceived density, by minimizing views of new developments from existing roads.
(B) In order to achieve these purposes, this subchapter provides the process and standards for the development of conservation subdivisions.
(Ord. 1999-4-19, passed 4-19-1999)