reduces stormwater pollution, reduces the negative affects [sic] from <br />increases in runoff, and is compatible with Metro Plan policies. <br /> <br />The S-SW zone specifically identifies the use of pervious paving and rainwater catchment and storage <br />systems as techniques for meeting the Sustainable Features requirements for the Single Family <br />Options subdistrict. Beyond these measures, narrow street widths, reduced off-street parking <br />requirements, and reduced accessway and driveway widths will reduce the area of impervious <br />surfaces throughout the subject area. Based on these findings, the proposed amendments and zone <br />changes are consistent with Policies G.14 and G.18. <br /> <br />J. Energy Element <br />J.2 Carefully control, through the use of operating techniques and other <br />methods, energy-related actions, such as automobile use, in order to <br />minimize adverse air quality impacts. Trade-offs between air quality and <br />energy actions shall be made with the best possible understanding of how <br />one process affects the other. <br /> <br />As stated in the response to Goal 12, the subject area is proximate to transit and the S-SW zone <br />includes regulations for increased intensity, a mix of uses, an enhanced network of walkways and <br />reduced parking requirements. These factors, as well as general character standards to create a <br />pedestrian-oriented community, are intended to reduce the dependence on and use of automobiles <br />and subsequently reduce adverse air quality impacts. Based on these findings, the proposed <br />amendments and zone changes are consistent with Policy J.2. <br />J.3 Land allocation and development patterns shall permit the highest possible <br />current and future utilization of solar energy for space heating and cooling, <br />in balance with the requirements of other planning policies. <br />J.4 Encourage development that takes advantage of natural conditions, such <br />as microclimate, and utilizes renewable energy supplies, such as solar <br />energy, to minimize non-renewable and overall energy consumption. <br /> <br />The S-SW zone uses height limits, step-backs, sloped setbacks and step-downs to reduce barriers to <br />solar access from each parcel. The Sustainable Features standards for the Single Family Options <br />subdistrict (EC 9.3868(8)(d)) encourage solar orientation and the use of solar energy generation. The <br />proposed amendments and zone changes are therefore consistent with Policies J.3 and J.4. <br />J.7 Encourage medium- and high-density residential uses when balanced with <br />other planning policies in order to maximize the efficient utilization of all <br />forms of energy. The greatest energy savings can be made in the areas of <br />space heating and cooling and transportation. For example, the highest <br />relative densities of residential development shall be concentrated to the <br />greatest extent possible in areas that are or can be well served by mass <br />transit, paratransit, and foot and bicycle paths. <br />J.8 Commercial, residential, and recreational land uses shall be integrated to <br />the greatest extent possible, balanced with all planning policies to reduce <br />Findings - 17 <br />