A. It is in the public interest to encourage clustering of residential dwellings on tracts of land that are exempt from subdivision regulation by County government pursuant to Sections 16.04.010 - 16.04-030 and Section 16.04.040(3)(j), thereby providing a means of preserving common open space, of reducing the extension of roads and utilities to serve the residential space, or reducing the extension of roads and utilities to serve the residential development, and of allowing landowners to implement smart growth on land that is exempt from Subdivision Regulations.

     B. Landowners should have the option to consider cluster development when subdividing land into parcels in a manner that constitutes an alternative to the traditional thirty-five (35) acre interests described in Section 16.04.010 - 16.04-030, and 16.04.040(3)(a).

     C. A process should be available for the development of parcels of land for residential purposes that will authorize the use of clustering, water augmentation, density bonuses, not to exceed one (1) unit for each seventeen and one-half (17 1/2) increment, or other incentives, and fulfill the goals of the County to preserve open space, protect wildlife habitat and critical areas, and enhance and maintain the rural character of lands with contiguity to agricultural lands suitable for long-range farming and ranching operations.