Figure 7-32 locates the rural areas of the county. Presently, virtually the entire rural portion of Richland County is designated rural (RU), a zoning district that permits farming operations, commercial development (5000sf maximum), and residential development on minimum 33,000sf lots. (Richland County Zoning Ordinance, adopted 1977) This situation does nothing to preserve the rural character of these areas. Directing growth toward existing and new villages, strategic land preservation, and large lot zoning will accomplish the goal of preserving the rural character of Richland County. See Figure 7-33.

The planning team recommends that for those areas not designated for development or preservation as part of a village, and not deemed environmentally sensitive, a new large lot zoning designation be introduced. This, in conjunction with a purchase of development rights program, can be an effective way to preserve rural character. 

A. Strategies and Principles

In Richland County the rural character is defined less by truly dramatic landforms, dramatic views, and vistas, and more by the consistent intermixing of fields and forests and other forms of open space. Large landholdings contribute to the fact that the rural landscape flows smoothly when viewed at automobile speeds over long segments (500 feet to a mile or more). This is because large landowners treat much or all of their property in a consistent manner. The continuity is maintained near the road edge and at more distant vistas. By contrast, when large lots are subdivided and developed the resulting small parcels are each treated differently and contribute to a discontinuity when perceived at high speeds. This small-scale development is more readily appreciated at the pedestrian scale of towns and villages. (See Guidelines for Preservation of Rural Character in Lower Richland County, Robert Bainbridge, June, 1996) 

Preserve rural character
The principles for preserving rural character are as follows:

• Natural Edges: The rural areas of Richland County are landscapes comprised of either a continuous line of trees, or open fields with or without a boundary or a fence. New projects along designated roads should reflect either approach. They should either emphasize open grassy fields or a continuous line of trees. In either case maintain 20 feet (is this right? It seems too small) of land closest to a road as natural edges. Limit driveways and no sidewalks or paved parking areas should intrude into the natural area.
• Clusters of Trees: Irregular clusters of trees where trees are massed in informal plantings are a rural landscape pattern that should be used in appropriate settings. 
• Regular spacing of trees should be limited to urban and village areas. Regular tree spacing in rural areas should be limited to windbreaks.
• Backdrop Planting: In rural areas structures should be set within the landscape. In urban areas the landscape should be set within the urban setting. Rural area buildings should be low with trees planted behind that grow above roof peaks and form the rural skyline. (Adapted from Guidelines for Preservation of Rural Character in Lower Richland County, Robert Bainbridge, June 1996)