§ 23.8. Four step design process.

All concept/preliminary plans for conservation design communities shall include documentation of a four step design process in determining the layout of proposed greenspace lands, house sites, streets, and lot lines as described below.

A.

Step 1: Delineation of greenspace lands.

1.

The minimum percentage and acreage of required greenspace lands shall be calculated by the applicant and submitted as part of the sketch plan or concept/preliminary plan in accordance with this article. Greenspace lands shall include all primary conservation areas and those parts of the secondary conservation areas, as defined herein, to meet the terms of this article.

2.

Proposed greenspace lands shall be designated using the existing resource/site analysis map as a base map.

3.

In delineating secondary conservation areas, the applicant shall consult with planning staff on the prioritization of natural and cultural resources on the tract in terms of their highest to least suitability for inclusion in the proposed greenspace.

4.

Using the priorities and practical considerations given to the tract's configuration by planning staff, its context in relation to resource areas on adjoining and neighboring properties, and the applicants subdivision objectives, secondary conservation areas shall be delineated to meet at least the minimum area percentage requirements for greenspace lands and in a manner clearly indicating their boundaries as well as the types of resources included within them.

B.

Step 2: Location of house sites.

1.

Potential house sites shall be tentatively located using the proposed greenspace lands as a base map as well as other relevant data on the existing resources map such as topography and soils. House sites should be located not closer than 100 feet from primary conservation areas and 50 feet from secondary conservation areas, taking into consideration the potential negative impacts of residential development on such areas as well as the potential positive benefits of such locations to provide attractive views and visual settings for residences.

C.

Step 3: Alignment of streets and trails.

1.

Upon designating the house sites, a street plan shall be designed to provide vehicular access to each house, complying with the standards for road design in the Cherokee County Development Regulations and bearing a logical relationship to topographic conditions.

D.

Step 4: Drawing in the lot lines.

1.

Upon completion of the preceding three steps, lot lines are drawn as required to delineate the boundaries of individual residential lots. Lot lines are drawn as the last step.

(Ord. No. 2009-Z-001, 9-15-09)