§ 5.8.7. Incentives and benefits.

A.

The rural land use process will be driven by incentives and benefits for both the landowner and the public which are in accordance with section 5.8.3 (purposes and objectives) and section 5.8.6 (principles). Incentives and benefits may take many forms, including, but not limited to, the following:

1.

Landowner incentives.

a.

Ability to divide land in ways other than 35-acre parcels.

b.

Simplified process with timely outcomes and minimum cost.

c.

Shortened timeline.

d.

Site incentives.

e.

Possible increase in land value by creating "open space."

f.

Flexibility in site placement and road structure.

g.

Predictable outcome.

h.

Ability to achieve own objectives.

i.

Ability to discuss alternatives and options.

j.

Delay in incurring engineering until after approval.

2.

Public benefits.

a.

Ability to have input into the subdivision/development of land which might otherwise be subdivided and developed in 35-acre parcels with no county or public input.

b.

Neighbors of the project will be notified by mail and all interested parties may participate in the public hearing before the county commissioners.

c.

Public input is solicited and utilized in evaluating and addressing the impacts of the project.

d.

Reduced impacts on on-site and off-site infrastructure are considered.

e.

Improved siting (out-of-view, below ridgelines, vegetative screening with trees and rocks, less impact on critical areas).

f.

Potentially adverse impacts on nearby property owners are taken into consideration.

g.

Potential for better standards/infrastructure than that which may occur in land divisions without any county review.

h.

Retention of water on the land.

3.

Public and landowner benefits.

a.

Maintains agricultural, forest, and ranch lands.

b.

Maintains wetlands, wildlife, steep slopes.

c.

Maintains ridgelines, viewsheds, shorelines.

d.

Maintains land contiguous with adjacent conservation easement or park land.

e.

Includes engineered, obscured or paved roads in the plan.

f.

May allow public access to open space.

g.

Mitigates road cuts.

h.

Maintains rural character and open spaces.

i.

Uses existing infrastructure.

j.

Allows for varied and flexible lot sizing.

k.

Allows or encourages a re-evaluation of existing lots.