Conservation subdivisions shall be configured to:
A. Protect and preserve all floodways and wetlands;
B. Preserve and maintain mature woodlands, existing fields, pastures, meadows and orchards and creates sufficient buffer areas to minimize conflicts between residential and other uses;
C. Locate development outside of prime agricultural soils, to the maximum extent practicable;
D. Ensure the appearance of development is minimized, to the maximum possible extent;
E. Design around existing hedgerows and tree lines between fields or meadows;
F. Leave scenic views and vistas unblocked or uninterrupted, particularly as seen from streets;
G. Avoid siting new construction on prominent rises or highly visible areas by taking advantage of lower topographic features;
H. Protect wildlife habitat areas of species listed as endangered, threatened or of special concern by NCDEQ;
I. Preserve sites of historic, archaeological, or cultural value (including spring houses, barn foundations, cellar holes, earthworks, burial grounds and similar features);
J. Include a pedestrian circulation system designed to assure that pedestrians can walk safely and easily on the site, between properties and activities or special features within the neighborhood open space system; and
K. Consolidate open space into areas that are contiguous, to the maximum extent practicable.
(Ord. 2020-36, passed 12-2-2019)