Allocation of 10/70 impervious surface area by the Town Council. In addition to the development allowed according to §§ 151.085, 151.086, 151.087, 151.088, 151.089 and 151.090 of this code, new development and expansions to existing development may occupy up to 10% of the protected watershed area with up to 70% built-upon area on a project-by-project basis.
(A) For the purpose of this section, allocation of 10/70 impervious surface area shall mean that up to 10% of the acreage designated as protected watershed may be developed with up to 70% impervious surface (built upon area).
(B) Such allocation may be approved by the Town Council as a Special Intensity Allocation (SIA) of up to 70% of the built upon area of a project.
(C) Applications for SIA shall be submitted to the Zoning Administrator and shall include a site plan in conformance with the development requirements of this chapter. All applications and site plans must include the following information:
(1) Project timetable;
(2) Anticipated addition to the property tax base;
(3) Anticipated number of jobs to be created or retained; and
(4) Additional information as requested by the Zoning Administrator, Planning Board, and Town Council in order to determine if the application meets the criteria for approval.
(D) All sites shall be designed in accordance with the State of North Carolina Water Supply Protection Rules. All projects must to the maximum extent practicable minimize built-upon surface area, direct stormwater runoff away from surface waters, provide a minimum 100 feet vegetative buffer along all perennial waters and incorporate best management practices to minimize water quality impacts. For the purposes of calculating built-upon area, total project area shall include total acreage in the tract on which the project is to be developed. The town may impose site plan conditions in order to meet these requirements.
(E) The town's approval of a SIA shall be on a project-by-project basis and shall be based on the following specifications:
(1) Economic benefit to the community by creating and/retaining jobs;
(2) Increase in the property tax base;
(3) Compatibility with the town land use plan and character of the area and surrounding land uses;
(4) Project does not pose a threat to the environment, especially water quality and that appropriate measures will be taken to minimize any potential negative environmental impacts; and
(5) Any other factors the Town Council deem necessary in making a decision.
(F) The Planning Board of the town shall review all applications for SIA and shall submit a written recommendation to the Town Council before a final decision is rendered.
(Ord. ZT2018-01, passed 1-2-2018; Res. R-2021-03, passed 6-24-2021)