YAVAPAI COUNTY PLANNING AND ZONING ORDINANCE Page 66 2. Buffers: a. Perimeter buffers shall be provided to protect existing neighborhoods by mitigating the adverse impacts of smaller lot sizes (e.g. sound, visibility and traffic). b. Buffers may include landscaping, walls, fences, pathways, drainage ways, natural features, existing vegetation and natural open space. c. Perimeter buffer shall be equal in depth to a minimum of fifty feet (50’). H. Processing: 1. Five (5) or fewer parcels: Minor Land Division as defined in Section 546.C. of this Ordinance, except that the below requirements of Section 441.H.3 through Section 441.H.10 shall govern the submittal, review, notice and hearing requirements for the Open Space and Sustainable Development Option for the Minor Land Division. 2. Six (6) or more parcels: Subdivision as regulated by the County Subdivision Regulations except that the below requirements of Section 441.H.3 through Section 441.H.12 shall govern the submittal, review, notice and hearing requirements for the subdivision. 3. Application: In addition to the submittal requirements for a Minor Land Division or Subdivision Plat as applicable, the application shall contain studies, plans and such other additional information required by the Development Services Department to ensure conformance with these regulations. Such submittal requirements shall be promulgated by the Department Director and may be administratively amended from time to time. 4. Notice of Application: The Development Services Department shall mail a Notice of Application within three (3) working days of the submittal date of the Open Space and Sustainable Development Option application to each owner of property, as last disclosed by County real estate tax records, situated wholly or partially within one thousand feet (1000’) of the subject property. 5. Citizen Participation Plan: All applications for the Open Space and Sustainable Development Option shall comply with the provisions of Section 209 Citizen Participation. 6. Review: The Development Services Department shall review the proposed Open Space and Sustainable Development Option application in accordance with this Section and other applicable requirements. 7. Findings: The review of the Development Services Department shall be based on the following findings: a. Individual lots, streets and parking areas are designed and situated to minimize alteration of the natural features of the site. b. Allocation and preservation of natural open space areas that protect natural characteristics of the property including topographical features, environmentally sensitive lands, wildlife corridors, vegetation, cultural resources and wash corridors. c. Open space intended for recreation or common use is easily accessible to pedestrians. d. Sites, structures and landmarks having a potential for historic preservation have been identified and integrated into the development plan for preservation.