2008 Comprehensive Plan - Hardin County Government
2008 Comprehensive Plan - Hardin County Government
2008 Comprehensive Plan - Hardin County Government
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
is imperative that the <strong>County</strong> improve the quality of development standards forcommercial development. This is particularly important given that there is aconsiderable amount of non-residential development occurring at the majorinterstate interchanges which serve as the “front door” into the community.Further, the commercial and industrial uses within the <strong>County</strong> create important firstimpressions of the community. The community should develop and improved siteplanning standards that deal with items such as:• Site Configuration and Layout• Landscaping• Signage• Access Management Techniques• Building Materials• Pedestrian Connections• Parking• LightingIt is particularly important that the community develop improved standards for largeretail structures and centers that tend to dominate the visual appearance ofcommercial corridors.Improved site plan standards and procedures will go a long way towardimplementing the policies related to quality and character development in this plan.Binding ElementsAnother way the community can improve upon the quality of new development orredevelopment is through the establishment of binding elements. The most commonform of a binding element is a developer’s agreement tailored to each individualproject and signed by both the county and the developer. These agreements clearlyestablish specific standards by which the community is assured that thedevelopment will be constructed according to the plans approved by the county.Binding elements can be very general and only include basic information on landuses and open space. Other agreements are very specific and place standards onbuilding appearances, percentage of open space and impervious surfaces,enclosures of storage areas, and financial guarantees for improvements. Strong siteplanning standards can in some cases accomplish the same goal.Cluster ZoningAlso known as, “open space subdivisions”, the principles behind cluster developmentdesign guidelines are intended to create development in rural area that preservesrural character. As an alternative to the traditional subdivision, this program wouldinvolve site planning guidelines and incentives designed to encourage thepreservation of open spaces, particularly as they relate to environmentally sensitiveareas.<strong>2008</strong> <strong>Comprehensive</strong> <strong>Plan</strong>