All of the Goals and Policies of the Comprehensive Plan and the provisions of the Development Code derive from these Core Values Our Core Values Are . . . MAINTAINING RURAL CHARACTER We value the rural character of Damascus, which is retained and integrated with urban development as growth occurs. We maintain rural character by: Protecting our established large lot neighborhoods with legacy zoning Creating a unique system to allow (but not require) property owners to transfer their development rights from low density residential areas to area of the city with higher densities Respecting and encouraging urban agriculture MAINTAINING AGRICULTURAL CHARACTER We value our existing farms, and will provide creative opportunities to those farmers who wish to continue to farm, by allowing farm stands, farm to table restaurants, and a system that allows farmers to transfer their development rights to an area of the city with higher densities. We want to allow our farmers to continue to farm, on all or a portion of their property, at their choosing. WELL DESIGNED COMMUNITIES Metro, the regional government for this area, requires our city to develop our residential areas at an average of 9.5 dwelling units per acre. In order to satisfy these demands, while still retaining the rural character of the community, we have established a voluntary program to allow property owners to take the development rights from a lower density residential area and transfer those rights to an area planned for high residential density, or commercial development. ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP We value the wise stewardship of natural areas and resources for current and future generations. To satisfy this value, we will follow all federal, state, and regional requirements for protecting the environment. ECONOMIC FAIRNESS We value and respect the rights of all private property owners to use their private property. We understand that a land use system that discourages the use of private property is harmful to the economy and well-being of our community. OPEN SPACE We value open spaces and places for Damascus residents to recreate and enjoy our City’s natural beauty. To satisfy this value, we will dedicate a portion of our City reserve funds to acquire land from willing property owners to establish public parks. We will also establish a system development charge for developers seeking large, multi-unit subdivisions, dedicated to the acquisition and maintenance of our publicly owned City parks, this of course if you the voters agree to this type of charge. The City’s draft Comprehensive Plan allowed the City to take a large portion of a property owner’s property and at the city’s discretion sell that portion back to the property owner. The same earlier draft of the Comprehensive Plan also required private property owners to allow public access to private residential and commercial properties. These provisions have been eliminated from this Comprehensive Plan.
Posted on: Mon, 09 Sep 2013 21:17:20 +0000
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