2040 VISION
78
Growth and Rural Resource Areas
In accordance with the state enabling legislation, the county can be divided into broad land use
categories that reflect the desired character, level of development, and access to utilities. These
three broad categories are Growth Areas, Rural Resource Areas, and Open Space Preservtion Areas.
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Growth Areas
- these areas are the most logical parts of the county for new development.
Virtually all new non-residential development should be in Growth Areas, as well as 95% of
new homes. Generally, residential development should be at densities greater than one home
per acre, and all development should be served by public sewers and water.
Developed Land in Growth Areas
- These properties are already developed with homes,
businesses, and institutions. Some Developed Land properties, such as a vacant shopping
center, old office building, or underutilized industrial site, will redevelop and intensify. In
addition, infill development may occur in many different locations.
Developable Land in Growth Areas
- Developable Land properties are currently farmed,
vacant, or open. These properties may see future development, and much of the new
development in the county is expected to go on these properties
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Rural Resource Areas
- these rural areas should have very limited new development. No
more than 5% of the county’s new residential development should be located in Rural Resource
Areas. Generally, these areas should not be served by public sewers or public water, except for
special cases involving failing on-lot sewer systems, residential cluster developments, or water
supply issues.
Developed Land and Preserved Farmland in Rural Resource Areas
- These areas are
either developed with low-intensity residential, business, and institutional uses or are
permanently preserved as farms. Very little additional development is expected on these
properties.
Developable Land in Rural Resource Areas
- These properties, which might be
unpreserved farms or wooded properties, should remain undeveloped, although the little
development that does occur in the Rural Resource Areas will most likely be on these
properties.
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Open Space Preservation Areas
- these natural areas and parks should be minimally
developed, with an emphasis on environmental protection, greenway preservation, and outdoor
recreation.
Existing Preserved Open Space
- These areas are existing federal, state, county, and
local parks or properties protected through a conservation easement. Except for park
improvements, no new development should occur.
Conservation Opportunity Areas
- These environmentally-sensitive areas and greenways
should have minimal development, if any.
9%
Growth Area - Developed Land
Growth Area - Developable land
Rural Resource Area - Developed Land and Preserved Farmland
Rural Resource Area - Developable Land
Existing Preserved Open Space
Conservation Opportunity Area
51%
153,500 acres
9%
29,300 acres
9%
29,700 acres
11%
34,100 acres
10%
32,600 acres
8%
25,000 acres
GROWTH AND RURAL AREAS
