§ 35-310.02. "RP" Resource Protection District.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

The "RP" (resource protection) district provides areas for agricultural operations and natural resource industries. These districts are composed mainly of unsubdivided lands that are vacant or in agricultural uses with some dwellings and some accessory uses. "RP" zoning protects and preserves valuable agricultural areas, implements agricultural and natural resource protection, establishes performance standards for rural businesses, preserves rural areas, preserves pasture land and agriculture, and identifies areas appropriate for agricultural preservation. The "RP" district may be used to establish a buffer of low intensity uses along streams, floodplains, and similar environmentally sensitive areas. The "RP" district implements the following policies of the master plan:

• Growth Management, Policy 1f: Encourage a balance of new development and redevelopment. This district partially implements Policy 1f by discouraging leapfrog or premature subdivision, thereby directing growth to built-up areas with public facilities and services.

•  Natural Resources, Policy 2d: Preserve the integrity of the natural settings of neighborhoods, communities, open spaces and parks, and develop clear procedures for their enforcement.

•  Urban Design, Policy 1a: Based on a comprehensive land use plan, encourage more intensive development in and near neighborhood centers with less intensive development between neighborhood centers, and implement these changes through zoning.

The "RP" district should normally be located in areas with large tracts of open space, agricultural areas, woodlands, or fields. The "RP" district should not be designated in areas with central water and sewer, or where collector or higher order streets are spaced closer than one (1) mile apart.