AG 2002 12 16 (Regular) - Laserfiche WebLink

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requirements. Coupled with the cluster development techniques, lowering permissible densities is an efficient way to preserve open space and agricultural land. In the various community meetings held in the planning area, the reduction of residential densities was a popular concept. While some felt that one unit per l0 acres was appropriate the majority felt that one unit per 5 acres was most feasible. To address the objections of those that wanted greater flexibility to provide land to family members and/or wanted to earn some income off the sale of their land and for those with smaller lots who anticipated the ability to later divide their land, a compromise to a strict adherence to a one unit per 5 acre requirement was formulated. Recommendation: · That the following standards apply to the Agriculture and Open Space District as shown on the future land use map in Appendix A: The first 5 units be permitted at a rate of one unit per acre, the next 2 units be at a rate of one unit per 2.5 acres and the remaining units be at a rate of one unit per 5 acres. The minimum lot size would continue to be one acre for areas not served by a utility system operated by a governmental agency. Defining Urban Service Areas Another tool that can assist in the preservation of agricultural land and open space is the designation of Urban Service Areas. The designation of Urban Service Areas gives both the public and private sectors a firm indication where public and private dollars should be invested in public infrastructure, particularly in regards to public water and sewer infrastructure. In the various community meetings held during this planning process, participants expressed concern in regard to the provision of public utility service in the rural portions of the planning area. The vast majority of participants felt that public utility investments should not be made in areas outside the Town of Mount Pleasant ETJ. These residents felt that once utility service was provided the eastern portion of the County would develop rapidly. Residents were also concerned that if this portion of the County was opened to development the resulting rapid rate of growth would be fiscally unsustainable, putting a strain on already stretched public facilities and budgets. In practice, defining Urban Service Areas leads to better land and infrastructure planning by reducing "leapfrog" development. "Leapfrog" develop occurs when infrastructure investments are made in outlying areas away from existing urban and suburban areas. This practice results in higher costs for road and utility improvements and also fragments agricultural areas straining the agricultural economy. By eliminating "leapfrog" development better fiscal planning for utility and road infrastructure and public facilities such as parks and schools is possible. Recommendation: With adoption of the 50 year Water and Wastewater Master Plan, the Water and Sewer Authority and its member jurisdictions have defined where an Urban Service Area should be established. Map 3 presents the proposed Urban Service Area boundary. This boundary was