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June 24, 2004 Page 528 00191110-9609 $125,000.00 $58,500.00 $183,500.00 Legal Expense 00161710-6901 $8,700,891.71 $58,500.00 $8,759,391.71 Fund Balance Available Proposed Development Standards (Items E-1 and E-2 of the June 15th A~enda) Revised Subdivision Ordinance / Zonin~ Text Amendment Jonathan Marshall, Commerce Director, and Rodger Lentz, Planning and Zoning Manager, were present to review the proposed revisions to the Cabarrus County Development Standards that were deferred at the June 15tn meeting. A listing of the proposed changes as submitted by staff, along with recommendations by the Planning and Zoning Commission, is shown on Pages 502- 504 of the minutes for the June 15th meeting. There was brief discussion regarding affordable housing in Cabarrus County. Mr. Lentz explained the upgraded standards would not apply in the eastern part of the county due to the area's low density and would not impact the regulations for minor subdivisions in the unincorporated areas. Mr. Marshall stated there is a good amount of existing affordable housing in Cabarrus County and pointed out there is not a lot of new construction of affordable housing under the current standards. Carl Hill, Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission, reviewed the Commission's recommendations for each of the proposed standards. He provided information as to the Commission's voting perspective on such items as sidewalks (residential and non-residential), street trees, cul-de-sacs, right-of-way widths, pavement widths and connectivity ratios. Mr. Hill said the Planning Board felt that fewer governmental regulations were needed in the construction industry, especially for such items as sidewalks and street trees that would increase subdivision construction costs and be passed on to the home buyer. He stated in his opinion government should not infringe on the rights of property owners and people should be allowed to make their own choices. In regards to connectivity, he stated the Planning and Zoning Commission would review that issue when the proposed standards are "cleaned up" and easier to understand. Mr. Marshall and Mr. Lentz reviewed staff's recommendations concerning each of proposed standards. They addressed such issues as future quality development, pedestrian access from adjacent neighborhoods to retail establishments, efforts to reduce vehicular traffic, public safety and connectivity. Mr. Marshall pointed out that the proposed standards for sidewalks, narrow streets and connectivity are designed to work together to make communities safer for everyone. Mr. Day asked that the Board go into Closed Session to consult with the Attorney prior to voting on the proposed standards. Closed Session UPON MOTION of Commissioner Carruth, seconded by Vice Chairman Suggs and unanimously carried, the Board moved to go into Closed Session to consult with the Attorney to preserve the attorney-client privilege as authorized by North Carolina General Statute 143-318.11(a) (3). UPON MOTION of Commissioner Carruth, seconded by Commissioner Carpenter and unanimously carried, the Board moved to come out of Closed Session. The Board by consensus excused Commissioner Carpenter from the meeting at 10:22 a.m. Adoption of Proposed Standards (Revised Subdivison Re~ulatlons and Zonin~ Text Amendment) UPON MOTION of Vice Chairman Suggs, seconded by Commissioner Carruth with Vice Chairman Suggs, Chairman Freeman and Commissioners Carruth and Privette voting for, the Board approved the following Cabarrus County Development Standards and adopted the revised Cabarrus County Subdivision Ordinance and the Ordinance Amending the Cabarrus County zoning Ordinance as set forth below. (1) Sidewalks - Adopted following recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission: