AG 2002 12 16 (Regular) - Laserfiche WebLink

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1. Is the soil adequate to handle the proposed septic systems? 2. Are ground water levels adequate to handle the proposed private well systems? 3. Are public facilities such as school and fire adequate to serve the development? 4. Can the transportation system safely handle the increased traffic from the development? In addition to the questions above, residents felt that any new major subdivision should provide buffers along the road frontage and that access to lots come from internal streets rather than being permitted driveway access to rural thoroughfares. Recommendation: This plan recommends that subdivisions of 10 or more lots be required to obtain a conditional use permit prior to development. Specific review criteria should encompass the points of concern expressed by area residents as stated above. Voluntary Agricultural Districts The establishment of voluntary agricultural districts was also discussed during the community meetings. Members of both the Cattleman's Association and the St. John's Grange mentioned the concept during the meetings. The Cabarrus County Agricultural Extension Office has been researching and developing recommendations for this option. While this is a voluntary program the authorization of such can provide additional protections to those landowners choosing to form the agricultural district. First, it identifies landowners that may be willing to sell development rights and qualifies those areas for State grants for that purpose. In addition, the North Carolina State Statute authorizing the creation of the districts provide protection from nuisance suits filed by surrounding property owners when the property owner is conducting lawful farm operations. While the authorizing legislation requires the formation of an Agricultural Advisory Board, this board could serve in the capacity discussed in the Purchase / Transfer of Development Rights section above. Recommendation: · Authorize the creation of a Farmland Preservation Program in Cabarms County and establish an Agricultural Advisory Board to oversee the program. This board should also carry out the recommendations in the Purchase / Transfer of Development Rights section.