§ 23.1. Purpose.

It is the purpose of this ordinance to provide flexibility in ensuring preservation of greenspace within a master-planned residential development. A conservation design community design preserves greenspace while maintaining the prorated density of residential units for the overall site area. Neutral density is achieved by allowing smaller individual-owned residential lots in neighborhoods that include or are adjacent to aesthetically and ecologically important areas. The goal of the design process is to identify and set aside conservation areas prior to the delineation of transportation and residential pod layouts. Greenspace areas include wetlands, stream buffer zones, woodlands, playing fields, and meadows, depending on the resources of the land.

The intent of the conservation design community regulations is to:

1.

Preserve significant areas of land for ecological, recreational, and agricultural purposes in perpetuity;

2.

Encourage more efficient development of land consistent with public health, safety, and general welfare;

3.

Afford greater flexibility of design and placement of buildings and structures;

4.

Preserve and protect exceptional terrain, natural beauty, and sites of historic interest from inconsequential placement of homes, roadways, utilities, and appurtenances;

5.

Preserve the Etowah River and its streams and tributaries as natural resources;

6.

Prevent flooding, erosion, and water pollution, and protect the quality and quantity of drinking water;

7.

Preserve wetlands, aquifers, topographical, or soil features, marine and wildlife habitat; and other features having conservation values, including views, vistas, and indigenous vegetation; and

8.

Promote a less sprawling form of development (within the site of development).

(Ord. No. 009-Z-001, 9-15-09)