COM 0392.000 2012-2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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The Honorable J Yoshimoto, Chairman and Members of the County Council Page 2 In order to consider an area for any type of zoning designation, the applicable goals, policies and standards of the General Plan must be adequately addressed. It is only through such a comprehensive policy analysis approach that evaluations and decisions can be made to better time and stage developments to achieve growth determined by the General Plan and related planning documents. The implications of these evaluations and decisions must also be considered as they may have an impact on similar areas in the County. The Change of Zone request from A-5a to FA-2a conforms to the goals, policies and standards of the General Plan Economic and Land Use Elements. The General Plan is intended to be used as a policy guide for the coordinated growth and development of all sectors of the County. It sets forth goals, policies, standards and courses of action to accommodate growth without congestion, to designate and preserve the lands needed for residential use, commercial and visitor services, industry, agriculture and open space, and to coordinate these uses with the County's service and circulation systems. The overall goals, policies and standards are set forth to physically plan the lands in the County in the best interest of the island's residents. Land use is one of the principal focal points of public concern and policy. The Land Use Element provides the primary basis for direct control and guidance of publicly and privately owned resources. The proposed change of zone conforms to the General Plan Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide (LUPAG) Map. The Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide(LUPAG) Map component of the General Plan is a representation of the document's goals and policies to guide the coordinated growth and development of the County. It reflects a graphic depiction of the physical relationship among the various land uses. The LUPAG Map establishes the basic urban and non-urban form for areas within the County. The property is designated Important Agricultural Lands, which includes land with better potential for sustained high agricultural yields due to soil type, climate, topography or other factors. The applicant plans to continue to use portions of the property for agricultural uses, including a bonsai farm, cultivation of domestic agricultural and citrus crops, and intermittent cattle and sheep grazing on the rear portion of the property. Although the South Kohala Community Development Plan(SKCDP) is generally silent for development in this particular area, nevertheless, it generally conforms to the following in the SKCDP: • Figure 4.4: Waimea Town Conceptual Plan identifies this area as "Small Farms and Ranches Preservation Program."