15 <br /> <br />applicable for purposes of evaluating applicable adopted plan policies pertaining to <br />subdivisions, partitions, and site review. However, in accordance with Metro Plan Policy A.9, a <br />maximum residential density established by an adopted plan policy set forth in EC 9.9500 <br />through EC 9.9710 may not be applied to an application proposing middle housing. For <br />purposes of this section, a maximum residential density includes but is not limited to, a <br />minimum lot size requirement, a limit on the number of dwelling units per acre, or another <br />similar regulation that has the effect of limiting residential density. <br />[9.9610 River Road – Santa Clara Urban Facilities Plan Policies. <br />(1) General Land Use. Minimize land use conflicts by promoting compatibility between land <br />uses, especially among residential, commercial-industrial, and commercial-agricultural uses. <br />(Policy 1) <br />(2) Residential Land Use. <br />(a) Recognize and maintain the predominately low-density residential character of the <br />area consistent with the Metro Plan. (Policy 1) <br />(b) Evaluate traffic and compatibility impacts when considering new residential <br />development on parcels fronting arterial streets. (Policy 3) <br />(c) Provide adequate buffering and traffic control for existing non-residential development <br />fronting River Road, (to minimize conflicts with surrounding development). (Policy 4) <br />(d) Permit medium-density housing (10 to 20 dwelling units/acre) in proximity to existing <br />or planned urban facilities. Access to commercial development, transit, and alternative <br />modes of transportation, schools and parks, and open space should be considered. <br />Medium-density residential development will be considered for the north Santa Clara area <br />consistent with the above criteria. (Policy 5) <br />(e) Design residential development which is adjacent to the Greenway, parks, and other <br />identified natural features in a manner that ensures its compatibility with those features. <br />(Policy 6) <br />(3) Commercial and Industrial Land Use. <br />(a) Maintain and enhance the compatibility of adjacent land uses through the use of <br />appropriate buffering mechanisms, such as landscaping standards. (Policy 1) <br />(b) Require site plan reviews for all new commercial and industrial development. (Policy 2) <br />(c) Prohibit the linear expansion of existing strip commercial areas fronting on River Road. <br />Existing strip commercial development may expand by infilling, redevelopment, or <br />expansion onto contiguous property that does not front on River Road.(Policy 3) <br />(d) Provide for buffering and traffic control for existing development that fronts River <br />Road (to minimize conflicts with surrounding residential development). (Policy 4) <br />(e) Minimize impacts of new commercial development intended to consolidate and <br />improve existing strip commercial uses along River Road by requiring development <br />standards. (Policy 5)