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M M ANALYSIS This section includes a response to DCA's objections. It also includes an analysis of the proposed changes by element, including a discussion of the consistency of the amendments with the comprehensive plan. Summary of Changes to Address DCA'S Obiections As transmitted to DCA, the proposed amendments to the Potable Water and Sanitary Sewer Sub -Elements would have allowed centralized utility service to lots outside of the USA, where any portion of the lot is located within one quarter of a mile of a USA boundary. DCA's position is that, while allowing centralized utility service to lots bordering, but outside of, the USA is acceptable, the one quarter mile standard is in excess of that needed to accomplish the county's stated purpose and could lead to the intrusion of development into; agriculturally designated areas. To address this concern and still allow centralized utilities service to -certain lots, DCA recommends that plan policies be revised to expressly include the following: 1. Centralized utilities service to lots outside the USA shall be limited to lots east of I-95; 2. Centralized utilities service to lots outside the USA shall be limited to lots that front a road that serves as a USA boundary; 3. Centralized utilities service to lots outside the USA shall not extend more than 500 feet from the centerline of a road that serves as a USA boundary; 4. Centralized utility line extensions to lots outside the USA shall be limited to laterals and minor lines connecting homes to main lines; and 5. The provision of centralized utilities service to land outside the USA shall not justify an increase in density. According to DCA, these recommendations will help to preserve agricultural uses, and provide a safeguard against urban sprawl. In analyzing DCA's proposed policy changes, staff identified the property that could be affected. Even with a reduction in the maximum utility line extension distance from a quarter mile to 500 feet, staff feels that few parcels will be affected. Consequently, staff feels that accepting DCA's proposed changes is appropriate. DCA also recommended changes to Future Land Use Element Policy 6.1. This policy deals with the provision of public services and facilities. While DCA reads this policy to prohibit the extension of utility lines outside of the -urban service area, staff disagrees. The policy prohibits only the provision of public services and facilities to agriculturally designated lands when those facilities or services would induce or encourage development. As structured, the originally proposed changes to the plan would not have induced or encouraged development of" agriculturally dedignated lands because the density of the lands would not change and existing parcels could be developed with wells and septic tanks. APR 12 1994 87 aoaK 92 F-ar,F 178