PD BACKGROUND REPORT (PL-REZ-2022-000035)

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density. However, in this case, since there are already two dwellings on the property, the change of zone would not result in an increase in density. The goal of the zone change would merely be to allow the current owners to subdivide the property such that one of the existing dwellings would be sited on each newly created lot in order to separate fee ownership among their respective portions of the property. The property will continue to be used by the landowners in its current state as their residences and as dedicated forest land. Since two dwellings already exist on the property, adequate infrastructure already exists to support the proposed 2-lot subdivision. Additionally, several similar rezone/subdivision requests have been approved in the immediate vicinity. Thus, this rezone request is appropriate, in keeping with the surrounding environment and land uses and will continue to protect and preserve the native forest. C. Kona Community Development Plan The Kona Community Development Plan(KCDP) attempts to further define the General Plan and serves as a gjjide for decision-makers. The subject property is located outside of the area designated as the Kona Urban Area by the KCDP and is thus designated as part of the Kona Rural Area. It is also designated mostly open ohia forest on the KCDP Environmental Resources Map (Figure 4). The proposed change of zone request is conducive to the following goals, objectives and policies outlined in the KCDP: Objective L U-3:Rural Area Growth Management. To preserve the rural character of the existing rural towns, the agricultural lifestyle, and the open landscape. Policy LU-3.4: Clustered Rural Subdivision Guidelines. The Clustered Rural Subdivision Guidelines in Attachment C apply to proposed subdivisions outside of the Kona Urban Area (UA). The intent of the guidelines is to minimize grading,preserve the natural appearance of the land to the maximum extent possible, ensure agriculture use in the State Land Use Agricultural District, and create a rural setting for residences. Towards this end, the guidelines shall, at a minimum, specify: 1. Minimum lot sizes; 2. Natural and cultural resources meriting protection and associated buffer areas, as applicable; 3. Minimum standards for roads and wastewater disposal; 4. Legal tools for permanent protection, maintenance of open space, and/or agricultural lands; 5. Connections to the open spaces of surrounding areas. 10