HomeMy WebLinkAboutORD-2001-027 Planning - Orange County Stormwater Program Regulatory Enhancements for Lands Within the Neuse River Basin 4
Outline to the Amendments to the Orange County
Stormwater Ordinance September 2001
Section 2 Definitions (amended 9/18/01/) PAGE 1
H. "County-shall mean the Degartment within Orange County that the County Manage
delegates authority to implement and enforcement Ordinance."
Section 3 Riparian Area Protection within the Neuse River Basin
Section 4 Table of Uses (amended 9/18/01/) PAGE 14
D. Disputes
"Any disputes over determinations regarding Authorization Certificates shall be referred
to the Planning Director for resolution and appealed if necessary to the County Manager.
Continued disputes shall be referred to the Director of NCDENR-Division of Water
Quality for a decision."
E. Variances PAGE 15
Persons who wish to undertake uses designated as prohibited have the option of
pursuing a variance. The County may grant minor variances. The variance request
procedure shall be as follows:
1. a) (5) 'The applicant did not purchase the property after July 22, 1997, and then
requesting a variance."
2. Minor Variances (no change)
3. Major Variances
"A major variance request pertains to activities that are proposed to impact any portion
of Zone I or any portion of both Zones 1 and 2 of the riparian buffer. If the County has
determined that a major variance request meets the requirements in Section 4.E.1, then
it shall prepare a preliminary finding and submit it to the Water Quality Committee of the
Environmental Management Commission. The purpose of the Water Quality
Committee's review is to determine if it agrees that the requirements in Section 4.E.1
have been met. Requests for appeals of decisions made by the Water Quality
Committee's shall be made to the Office of Administrative Hearings The following
actions shall be taken depending on the Water Quality Committee's decision on the
major variance request:"
a) "Upon the Water Quality Committee's approval, the County shall issue a final
decision granting the major variance."
b) "Upon the Water Quality Committee's approval with conditions or stipulations, the
County shall issue a final decision, which includes these conditions or
stipulations."
c) "Upon the Water Quality Committee's denial, the County shall issue a final
decision denying the major variance."
F. Mitigation PAGE 16
Persons who wish to undertake uses designated as allowable with mitigation shall meet
the following requirements in order to proceed with their proposed use.
5
1. Obtain a determination of"No Practical Alternatives" to the proposed use pursuant
to Section 4.13.
2. Obtain approval for a mitigation proposal pursuant to Section G of this Ordinance.
(note: the following language is simply 15A NCAC 2B.0242 word for word from
the NC Administrative Code).
■ change in section 4.F.2 from citing 15A NCAC 28.0242 to incorporating.0242 word
for word per the State Attorney,General's office.
Section 5 New Development Review
Section 6 Nutrient Load Calculations
Section 7 Stormwater Management Plan
Section 8 Permanent Nitrogen Export Reduction Best Management
Practices
Section 9 BMP Construction
Section 10 Annual Maintenance
Section 11 Land Use Planning Provisions
Section 12 Jurisdiction-Wide-and Inter-Local Approaches
Section 13 Jurisdiction-Wide Collection of Illegal Discharge Information
Orange County Planning and Inspections shall collect information related
to Illegal Discharges from all applicable sources within its Jurisdiction
within the Neuse River Basin.
Section 14 Illegal Discharges
Section 15 Inspections and Investigations (amended 9/18/01/) PAGES 29 & 30
C. Authority to Enter Property and Conduct Investigations and Inspections
"No person shall willfully resist, delay, or obstruct an authorized representative,
employee, or agent of Orange County, while that person is reviewing compliance with
the provisions of this Ordinance. The Enforcement Officer shall have the power to
conduct such investigations as deemed reasonably necessary to carry out the duties as
6
prescribed in this Ordinance, and for this purpose to enter at reasonable times upon any
property, public or private, for the purpose of reviewing compliance with the provisions of
this Ordinance."
D. Notice of Violation
"If it is determined that a person responsible for compliance with the provisions of the
Ordinance has failed to comply with this Ordinance, a notice of violation shall be served
upon that person."
Section 16 Penalties (amended 9118/01/) PAGE 31
change in civil penalty to add phrase 'per day'
A. Civil Penalties
1. Assessment of Penalties
"The maximum civil penalty feF a YielatieR is We theusand delleFS ($6,000),for those
violations not willfully or unknowingly committed is ten thousand dollars ($10,000) per
day, and for those violations that are continued willfully and knowingly, the maximum is
twenty-five thousand dollars($25,000) per day... Each day of a continuing violation shall
constitute a separate violation under Section 22 (A)(!) MAJ."
2. Demand for Payment of Penalty
"The notice of assessment...15.D. Refer to the procedure as followed by the County."
change in criminal penalty to conform with state administrative code
4. Criminal Penalties
"Any person who...not less than fifty($50)dollars per day, with a maximum of fifteen
thousand ($15,000) dollars per day net te ex^eed $6,000, or by both, at the discretion of
the court."
Section 17 Injunction Relief
Section 18 Compliance with Requirements
Section 19 Severability
Section 20 Effective Date
Section 21 Revisions to this Ordinance
Proposed
• semantic revisions involving the definition of the word county, the use of words such as'rule'. etc.
• change In the major variance process for the Stormwater Ordinance to parallel the State's process
• dispute settlement p 14
• change in Section 4.F.2 from citing 15A NCA C 2B.0242 to incorporating word for word per the State
Attorney General's office. p.16
• change in civil penalty to add phrase'per day. p.31
■ change in criminal penalty to conform with state administrative code. p.32
hrr Storrs water Ordnance
003
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
PUBLIC HEARING AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: August 27, 2001
Action Agenda
Item No. C1 (aft)
SUBJECT: Orange County,Stormwater Program for Lands Within the Neuse River Basin
DEPARTMENT: Planning and Inspections PUBLIC HEARING: (YIN)
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Sections 3 through 21 of the Stormwater Ordinance Craig Benedict ext 2592
Ren Ivins ext 2586
TELEPHONE NUMBERS:
Hillsborough 732-8181
Chapel Hill 968-4501
Durham 688-7331
Mebane (336)227-2031
PURPOSE:
To comply with state requirements in order to request delegated authority to implement and enforce
the Neuse River Riparian Buffer Rule (NCAC 15A 213 .0233). This rule is incorporated into our
Stormwater Ordinance in Sections 3 and 4.
The Orange County Stormwater Ordinance which incorporates this rule was adopted in December
2000, and the following amendments were required by the State so that our program will parallel
the State program as closely as possible, with special emphasis on civil and criminal penalties.
Orange County is the first in the state to proceed with a request for delegated authority, and
NCDENR- Division of Water Quality staff hope to use the County's Ordinance as a 'boilerplate'
Ordinance for other local governments within the Neuse River Basin.
BACKGROUND:
In order to comply with NCAC 15A 2B .0233 Item 12: 'Requirements Specific to Local Governments
with Stormwater Programs for Nitrogen Control,' Orange County has two options for protecting
riparian buffers within the Neuse Basin:
(1) Obtain authority (delegated authority) to implement a local riparian buffer protection program
pursuant to 15A NCAC 2B .0241.
(2) Refrain from issuing local approvals for new development projects unless either:
(a) The person requesting the approval does not propose to impact the riparian buffer of a
surface water that appears on either a Orange County Soil Survey map or the most
recent USGS topographic quadrangle.
(b) The person requesting the approval proposes to impact the riparian buffer of a surface
water that appears on the above mentioned maps has permission from the Division of
Water Quality to proceed.
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Impacts that would require submittal to the Division of Water Quality before any approvals could be
issued by the County include driveway crossings that disturb greater that 25 linear feet of the
buffer, bridges, greenway trails, utilities, ponds, and road crossings.
The attached Stormwater Ordinance amendments conform to requirements by NCDENR- Division
of Water Quality, the Environmental Management Commission, and the NC Administrative Code,
rules 15A 2B .0233 and .0241. These changes are the result of the State Attorney General's office
extensive review, NCDENR-DWQ staff enforcement experience and the recommendations of
Harmony Whalen.
Request
To adopt the amendments to the Orange County Stormwater Program and Ordinance for Lands
within the Neuse River Basin.
The deadline for submittal to the State in order to be placed on the October agenda of the
Environmental Management Commission is September 15th.
Location
Upper Neuse River Basin within Orange County which includes Upper and Lower Eno, Little River
and Flat River watershed basins.
Existing and Proposed Conditions
Existing:
Orange County Stormwater Program for Lands within the Neuse River Basin in place without
implementation or enforcement for Sections 3 and 4, Riparian Buffers. Erosion and Sedimentation
Control, and Water Supply Watershed Requirements, and Subdivision buffer requirements
currently in place.
Proposed:
• change in civil penalty to add phrase 'per day'
• change in criminal penalty to conform with state administrative code
• semantic revisions involving the definition of the word County, the use of words such as 'rule',
etc.
• change in the major variance process for the Stormwater Ordinance to parallel the State's
process
• change in Section 4.F.2 from citing 15A NCAC 2B .0242 to incorporating .0242 word for word
per the State Attorney General's office.
Development Process, Schedule, and Action -
• Public Hearing held May 22, 2000 with no speakers from the public.
• Forwarded Draft Program to NCDENR-DWQ upon approval by the Board.
• Approved by DWQ, the Environmental Management Commission- Water Quality Committee on
October 11, 2000.
• Adoption of Program and Ordinance on December 4, 2000 per the Board's approval.
• December 2000 through March 2001: implement Phase 1 of the Program and Ordinance with
the focus being on Nitrogen Reduction standards and measures, and Public Education and
Outreach.
• Meetings regarding the legal requirements for the granting of delegated authority between
County Staff, Harmony Wayland, Division of Water Quality Staff, and the Attorney General's
office.
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005
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FINANCIAL IMPACT:
As the Board may recall, this program is an unfunded state mandate. Existing Erosion Control staff
are currently responsible for implementing and administering the Program. The Planning and
Inspections Department is gauging the impact of the Program by developing a process where this
additional data collection, plan review, inspection, monitoring, reporting, enforcement, and public
outreach is included. The Environmental Compliance Officer requested, but unfunded at this time,
in this year's 2001-2002 budget would have had primary implementation responsibilities. in the
absence of this position, some public outreach is being sought through Triangle J Council of
Governments (TJCOG). Other portions of this program will be implemented at the minimum
required by the state until additional personnel resources can be accommodated.
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Administration recommends adoption of Ordinance amendments.
g:\stormwater\ABSTRACTMarchOl
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1 - c" b007
Amendments to the Orange County
Stormwater Ordinance
August 2001
NOTE: The underlined text will be added to the Ordinance and the struck-through text
will be deleted. The attached Stormwater Ordinance amendments conform to
requirements by NCDENR- Division of Water Quality, the Environmental Management
Commission, and the NC Administrative Code, rules 15A 2B .0233 and .0241. These
changes are the result of the State's -staff enforcement experience and the
recommendations of their attorneys,and of Geoff Gledhill and Harmony Whalen.
Section 2 Definitions
For the purpose of this Ordinance,these terms shall be defined as follows:
H. County- shall mean the Department within Orange County that the County
Manager delegates authority to implement and enforcement Ordinance.
Section 3 Riparian Area Protection within the Neuse River Basin
The purpose of the County in adopting the following regulations is to protect the
County's streams,wetlands, and floodplains; to protect the water quality of the County's
watercourses,reservoirs, lakes, and ponds;to protect the County's riparian and aquatic
ecosystems; and to provide environmentally sound use of the County's land resources.
Buffers adjacent to streams provide multiple environmental protection and resource
management benefits.Forested buffers enhance and protect the natural ecology of stream
systems, as well as water quality through bank stabilization, shading, and nutrient
removal (subsurface). Wildlife habitat is also provided within both forested and grassed
buffers. They also help to minimize flood damage in flood prone areas. Grassed zones
within the buffers help to prevent sediment and sediment-bound pollutants such as
phosphorous from reaching the streams.
A. Applicability
This Ordinance shall apply to 50-foot wide riparian buffers directly adjacent to
surface waters in the Neuse River Basin within Orange County(intermittent
streams,perennial streams, lakes,ponds, and estuaries), excluding wetlands.
Wetlands adjacent to surface waters or within 50 feet of surface waters will be
considered as part of the riparian buffer but are regulated pursuant to North
Carolina Administrative Code I 5A NCAC 2H .0506. The riparian buffers
protected by this Ordinance shall be measured pursuant to Section 3-B. For the
purpose of this Ordinance, a surface water shall be present if the feature is
approximately shown on either the most recent version of the soil survey map
prepared by the Natural Resources Conservation Service of the United States
Department of Agriculture or the most recent version of the 1:24,000 scale (7.5
008
minute) quadrangle topographic maps prepared by the United States Geologic
Survey (USGS).
Riparian buffers adjacent to surface waters that do not appear on either of the
maps shall not be subject to this Ordinance. Riparian buffers adjacent to surface
waters that appear on the maps shall be subject to this Ordinance unless one of the
following applies.
1. Exemption when an on-site Determination shows that Surface Waters
Are Not Present: When a landowner or other affected party believes that
the maps have inaccurately depicted surface waters,he or she shall consult
the County. Upon request,the County shall make on-site determinations.
Any disputes over on-site determinations shall be referred to NCDENR-
Division of Water Quality in writing:
2. Surface waters that appear on the maps shall not be subject to this
Ordinance if an on-site determination shows that they fall into one of the
following categories.
a) Ditches and constructed conveyances other than modified
natural streams unless constructed for navigation and/or boat
access.
b) Constructed ponds and lakes that are located outside natural
drainage ways.
c) Ephemeral (stormwater) streams.
3. Exemption when Existing Uses are Present and Ongoing: This
Ordinance shall not apply to portions of the riparian buffer where a use is
existing and ongoing according to the following:
a) A use shall be considered existing if it was present within the
riparian buffer as of July 22, 1997. Existing uses shall include,but
not be limited to, agriculture, buildings, industrial facilities,
commercial areas, transportation facilities,maintained lawns,
utility lines and on-site sanitary sewage systems. Only the portion
of the riparian buffer that contains the footprint of the existing use
is exempt from this Ordinance. Activities necessary to maintain
uses are allowed provided that no additional vegetation is removed
from Zone 1 except that grazed or trampled by livestock and
existing diffuse flow is maintained. Grading and revegetating Zone
2 is allowed provided that the health of the vegetation in Zone 1 is
not compromised,the ground is stabilized and existing diffuse flow
is maintained.
b) At the time an existing use is proposed to be converted to
another use,this Ordinance shall apply. An existing use shall be
considered to be converted to another use if any of the following
applies:
(1) Impervious surface is added to the riparian buffer in
locations where if did not exist previously.
(2) An agricultural operation within the riparian buffer is
2
converted to a non-agricultural use. 009
(3) A lawn within the riparian buffer ceases to be
maintained.
B. Zones within the Riparian Buffer
The protected riparian buffer shall have two zones as follows:
1. Zone I shall consist of a vegetated area that is undisturbed except for
uses provided for in the Table of Uses, Section 4. The location of Zone I
shall be as follows:
a) For intermittent and perennial streams,Zone I shall begin at
the most landward limit of the top of the bank or rooted herbaceous
vegetation,and extend outward a minimum distance of 30 feet on
all sides of the surface water,'measured horizontally on a line
perpendicular to the surface water.
b) For ponds, lakes, and reservoirs located within a natural
drainage way,Zone I shall begin at the most landward limit of the
normal water level or the rooted herbaceous vegetation and extend
landward a minimum distance of 30 feet,measured horizontally on
a line perpendicular to the surface water.
c) Zone 2 shall consist of a stable,vegetated area that is
undisturbed except for activities and uses provided for in the Table
of Uses, Section 4. Grading and revegetation is allowed provided
that the health of the vegetation in Zone I is not compromise. Zone
2 shall begin at the outer edge of Zone I and extend landward a
minimum of 20 feet as measured horizontally on a line
perpendicular to the surface water. The minimum combined width
of Zone I and Zone 2 shall be 50 feet on all sides of the surface
water.
C. Diffuse Flow Requirement
Diffuse flow of runoff shall be maintained in the riparian buffer by dispersing
concentrated flow and reestablishing vegetation.
1. Concentrated runoff from new ditches or constructed conveyances
shall be converted to diffuse flow before the runoff enters the riparian
buffer.
2. Periodic corrective action to restore diffuse flow shall be taken if
necessary to impede the formation of erosion gullies.
Section 4 Table of Uses
The following chart sets out the uses and their designation under this Ordinance as
exempt, allowable, allowable with mitigation, or prohibited. The requirements for each
category are given in Section 4.A.
3
010
Exempt Allowable Allowable Prohibited
with
Mitigation
Airport facilities:
• Airport facilities that impact equal to or less than 150 X
linear feet or one-third of an acre of riparian buffer
• Airport facilities that impact greater than 150 linear feet X.
or one-third of an acre of riparian buffer
Archaeological activities X
Bridges X
Dam maintenance activities X
Drainage ditches,roadside ditches and stormwater outfalls
through riparian buffers:
• Existing drainage ditches,roadside ditches,and X
stormwater outfalls provided that they are managed to
minimize the sediment,nutrients and other pollution that
convey to waterbodies
X
• New drainage ditches,roadside ditches and stormwater
outfalls provided that a stormwater management facility is
installed to control nitrogen and attenuate flow before the
conveyance discharges through the riparian buffer X
• New drainage ditches,roadside ditches and stormwater
outfalls that do not provide control for nitrogen before
discharging through the riparian buffer X
• Excavation of the streambed in order to bring it to the
same elevation as the invert of a ditch
Drainage of a pond in a natural drainage way provided that X
a new riparian buffer that meets the requirements of
Section 3.13 and 3.0 is established adjacent to the new
channel
4
Oil
Exempt Allowable Allowable Prohibited
with
Mitigation
Driveway crossings of streams and other surface waters
subject to this Ordinance:
• Driveway crossings on single family residential lots that X
disturb equal to or less than 25 linear feet or 2,500 square
feet of riparian buffer
• Driveway crossings on single family residential lots
X
that disturb greater than 25 linear feet or 2,500 square feet.
of riparian buffer
In a subdivision that cumulatively disturb equal to or X
less than 150 linear feet or one-third of an acre of riparian
buffer
X
• In a subdivision that cumulatively disturb greater than
150 linear feet or one-third of an acre of riparian buffer
Fences provided that disturbance is minimized and X
installation does not result in removal of forest vegetation
Forest harvesting-see Section 4.17 of this Ordinance
Fertilizer application:
• One-time fertilizer application to establish replanted X
vegetation
• Ongoing fertilizer application X
Grading and revegetation in Zone 2 only provided that X
diffuse flow and the health of existing vegetation in Zone 1
is not compromised and disturbed areas are stabilized
Greenway/hiking trails X
Historic preservation X
Landfills-as defined by G.S. 130A-290. X
5
012
Exempt Allowable Allowable Prohibited
with
Mitigation
Mining activities:
• Mining activities that are covered by the Mining Act X
provided that new riparian buffers that meet the
requirements of Sections 3.13 and 3.0 are established
adjacent to the relocated channels
X
• Mining activities that are not covered by the Mining Act
OR where new riparian buffers that meet the requirements
or Sections 33 and 3.0 are not established adjacent to the
relocated channels
Non-electric utility lines:
• Impacts other than perpendicular crossings in Zone 2 X
only 3 X
• Impacts other than perpendicular crossings in Zone 1 3
Non-electric utility line perpendicular crossings of streams
and other surface waters subject to this Ordinance 3:
• Perpendicular crossings that disturb equal to or less than 40
linear feet of riparian buffer with a maintenance corridor equal X
to or less than 10 feet in width
• Perpendicular crossings that disturb equal to or less than 40
linear feet of riparian buffer with a maintenance corridor X
greater than 10 feet in width
• Perpendicular crossings that disturb greater than 40 linear
feet but equal to or less than 150 linear feet of riparian buffer X
with a maintenance corridor equal to or less than 10 feet in
width
• Perpendicular crossings that disturb greater than 40 linear
feet but equal to or less than 150 linear feet of riparian buffer X
with a maintenance corridor greater than 10 feet in width
• Perpendicular crossings that disturb greater than 150 linear
feet of riparian buffer X
On-site sanitary sewage systems-new ones that use ground X
absorption
6
413
Exempt Allowable Allowable Prohibited
with
Mitigation
Overhead electric utility lines:
• Impacts other than perpendicular crossings in Zone 2 X
only
• Impacts other than perpendicular crossings in Zone 1 1,20 X
• Perpendicular crossings that disturb equal to or less than X
150 linear feet of riparian buffer 1
• Perpendicular crossings that disturb greater than 150 X
linear feet of riparian buffer 1,2
Periodic maintenance of modified natural streams such as
canals and a grassed travelway on one side of the surface X
water when alternative forms of maintenance access are not
practical
Provided that,in Zone 1,all of the following BMPs for overhead utility lines are used. If all of these BMPs are not
used,then the overhead utility lines shall require a no practical alternative evaluation by the Division.
• A minimum zone of 10 feet wide immediately adjacent to the water body shall be managed such that only vegetation
that poses a hazard or has the potential to grow tall enough to interfere with the line is removed.
• Woody vegetation shall be cleared by hand. No land grubbing or grading is allowed.
• Vegetative root systems shall be left intact to maintain the integrity of the soil. Stumps shall remain where trees are
cut.
• Rip rap shall not be used unless it is necessary to stabilize a tower.
• No fertilizer shall be used.other than a one-time application to re-establish vegetation.
• Construction activities shall minimize the removal of woody vegetation,the extent of the disturbed area,and the time
in which areas remain in a disturbed state.
• Active measures shall be taken after construction and during routine maintenance to ensure diffuse flow of
stormwater through the buffer.
• In wetlands,mats shall be utilized to minimize soil disturbance.
Z Provided that poles or towers shall not be installed within 10 feet of a water body unless the Division completes a no
practical alternative evaluation.
3 Perpendicular crossings are those that intersect the surface water at an angle between 75°and 105°.
. 7
014
Exempt Allowable Allowable Prohibited
with
Mitigation
Playground equipment:
« Playground equipment on single family lots provided that X
installation and use does not result in removal of vegetation
« Playground equipment installed on lands other than single-
family lots or that requires removal of vegetation X
Ponds in natural drainage ways,excluding dry ponds:
« New ponds provided that a riparian buffer that meets the X
requirements of Sections 3.14 and 3.0 is established adjacent
to the pond
« New ponds where a riparian buffer that meets the X
requirements of Sections 3.13 and 3.0 is NOT established
adjacent to the pond
Protection of existing structures,facilities and streambanks X
when this requires additional disturbance of the riparian buffer
or the stream channel
Railroad impacts other than crossings of streams and other
surface waters subject to this Ordinance X
Railroad crossings-of streams and other surface waters subject
to this Ordinance:
• Railroad crossings that impact equal to or less than 40 X
linear feet of riparian buffer
* Railroad crossings that impact greater than 40 linear feet X
but equal to or less than 150 linear feet or one-third of an acre
of riparian buffer
« Railroad crossings that impact greater than 150 linear feet X
or one-third of an acre of riparian buffer
8
Exempt Allowable Allowable Prohibited
with
Mitigation
Removal of previous fill or debris provided that diffuse X
flow is maintained and any vegetation removed is restored
Road impacts other than crossings of streams and other
X
surface waters subject to this Ordinance
Road crossings=of streams and other surface waters subject
to this Ordinance:
• Road crossings that impact equal to or less than 40 linear X
feet of riparian buffer
• Road crossings that impact greater than 40 linear feet but X
equal to or less than 150 linear feet or one-third of an acre
of riparian buffer
• Road crossings that impact greater than 150 linear feet or X
one-third of an acre of riparian buffer
Scientific studies and stream gauging X
Stormwater management ponds-excluding dry ponds:
• New stormwater management ponds provided that a X
riparian buffer that meets the requirements of Sections 3.B
and 3.0 is established adjacent to the pond
• New stormwater management ponds where a riparian
X
buffer that meets the requirements of Sections 3.13 and 3.0
is NOT established adjacent to the pond
Stream restoration X
Streambank stabilization X
9
010
Exempt Allowable Allowable Prohibited
with
Mitigation
Temporary roads:
• Temporary roads that disturb less than or equal to 2,500 X
square feet provided that vegetation is restored within six
months of initial disturbance
• Temporary roads that disturb greater than 2,500 square X
feet provided that vegetation is restored within six months
of initial disturbance
• Temporary roads used for bridge construction or X
replacement provided that restoration activities,such as
soil stabilization and revegetation,are conducted
immediately after construction
Temporary sediment and erosion control devices:
• In Zone 2 only provided that the vegetation in Zone 1 is X
not compromised and that discharge is released as
diffuse flow in accordance with Section 3.0
• In Zones 1 and 2 to control impacts associated with X
uses approved by the Division or that have received a
variance provided that sediment and erosion control
for upland areas is addressed to the maximum extent
practical outside the buffer
• In-stream temporary erosion and sediment control X
measures for work within a stream channel
Underground electric utility lines:
• Impacts other than perpendicular crossings in Zone 2 X
only 3
• Impacts other than perpendicular crossings in Zone 13,4 X
10
01 !
Exempt Allowable Allowable Prohibited
with
Mitigation
Underground electric utility line perpendicular crossings of
streams and other surface waters subject to this Ordinance:
3 X
• Perpendicular crossings that disturb less than or equal to
40 linear feet of riparian buffe?l X
• Perpendicular crossings that disturb greater than 40
linear feet of riparian buffera a
Provided that,in Zone 1,all of the following BMPs for underground utility lines are used. If all of these
BMPs are not used,then the underground utility line shall require a no practical alternative evaluation by
the Division.
• Woody vegetation shall be cleared by hand. No land grubbing or grading is allowed.
• Vegetative root systems shall be left intact to maintain the integrity of the soil. Stumps shall remain,
except in the trench,where trees are cut.
• Underground cables shall be installed by vibratory plow or trenching.
• The trench shall be backfilled with the excavated soil material immediately following cable installation.
• No fertilizer shall be used other than a one-time application to re-establish vegetation.
• Construction activities shall minimize the removal of woody vegetation,the extent of the disturbed area,
and the time in which areas remain in a disturbed state.
• Active measures shall be taken after construction and during routine maintenance to ensure diffuse flow
of stormwater through the buffer.
• In wetlands,mats shall be utilized to minimize soil disturbance.
ll
018
Exempt Allowable Allowable Prohibited
with
Mitigation
Vegetation management:
• Emergency fire control measures provided that X
topography is restored
• Periodic mowing and harvesting of plant products in X
Zone 2 only
X
• Planting vegetation to enhance the riparian buffer
• Pruning forest vegetation provided that the health and X
function of the forest vegetation is not compromised
• Removal of individual trees which are in danger of X
causing damage to dwellings,other structures or human X
life
• Removal of poison ivy X
• Removal of understory nuisance vegetation as defined
in:
Smith,Cherri L. 1998.Exotic Plant Guidelines.
Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
Division of Parks and Recreation.Raleigh,NC.Guideline
#30
Water dependent structures as defined in 15A NCAC 2B X
.0202
Water supply reservoirs:
• New reservoirs provided that a riparian buffer that meets X
the requirements of Sections IB and IC is established
adjacent to the reservoir
• New reservoirs where a riparian buffer that meets the X
requirements of Sections 3.13 and IC is NOT established
adjacent to the reservoir
Water wells X
Wetland restoration X
12
919
A. Requirements for Categories of Uses
Uses designated as exempt, allowable, allowable with mitigation and prohibited in
Section 4 Table of Uses shall have the following requirements:
1. Exempt: Uses designated as exempt are allowed within the riparian buffer
as long as the proposed user meets the following conditions prior to
commencing the exempt use:
a) Provide the Planning Director or Designee notification of the
location and nature of the exempt use; .
b) Provide a written statement that the exempt use shall be
designed, constructed and maintained to minimize soil disturbance
and to provide the maximum`water quality protection practicable.
In addition, exempt uses shall meet requirements listed in Section
4 Table of Uses for the specific use.
2. Allowable: Uses designated as allowable may proceed within the riparian
buffer provided that there are no practical alternatives to the requested use
pursuant to Section 4.B. These uses require written authorization from the
County.
3. Allowable with Mitigation: Uses designated as allowable with mitigation may
proceed within the riparian buffer provided that there are no practical alternatives
to the requested use pursuant to Section 4.13 and an appropriate mitigation
strategy has been approved pursuant to Section 4-.9 41. These uses require
written authorization from the County.
4. Prohibited: Uses designated as prohibited may not proceed within the riparian
buffer unless a variance is granted pursuant to Section 4-.D 4.E. Mitigation may
be required as one condition of a variance approval.
B. Determination of"NO PRACTICAL ALTERNATIVES."
Persons who wish to undertake uses designated as allowable or allowable with mitigation
shall submit a request for a"No Practical Alternatives" determination to the County. The
applicant shall certify that the criteria identified in Section 4.B are met. The County shall
grant an Authorization Certificate upon a"No Practical Alternatives"determination. The
procedure for making an Authorization Certificate shall be as follows:
1. .For any request for an Authorization Certificate, the County shall review the
entire project and make a finding of fact as to whether the following requirements
have been met in support of a'"No Practical Alternatives"determination:
a) The basic project purpose cannot be practically accomplished in a
manner that would better minimize disturbance,preserve aquatic life and
habitat, and protect water quality.
b) The use cannot practically be reduced in size or density, reconfigured
or redesigned to better minimize disturbance,.preserve aquatic life and
habitat, and protect water quality.
c) Best management practices will be used if necessary to minimize
disturbance,preserve aquatic life and habitat, and protect water quality.
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o2 ®
C. Requests for an Authorization Certificate
All requests shall be reviewed and either approved or denied within 60 days of receipt of
a complete submission based on the criteria in Section 4.B.1 by the County. Failure to
issue an approval or denial within 60 days shall constitute that the applicant has
demonstrated"no practical alternatives." The County may attach conditions to the
Authorization Certificate that support the purpose, spirit and intent of the riparian buffer
protection program. Complete submissions shall include the following:
1. The name, address and phone number of the applicant;
2. The nature of the activity to be conducted by the applicant;
3. The location of the activity, including the jurisdiction;
4. A map of sufficient detail to accurately delineate the boundaries of the land to
be utilized in carrying out the activity,the location and dimensions of any
disturbance in riparian buffers associated with the activity, and the extent of
riparian buffers on the land;
5. An explanation of why this plan for the activity cannot be practically
accomplished, reduced or reconfigured to better minimize disturbance to the
riparian buffer,preserve aquatic life and habitat and protect water quality; and
6. Plans for any best management practices proposed to be used to control the
impacts associated with the activity.
D. Disputes
Any disputes over determinations regarding Authorization Certificates shall be referred to
�T('DP� r iyisie f Water-Quality fer-adwzsion the Planning Director and the Board
...�.ii.ice i..rz�.roiry
of County Commissioners for resolution. Continued disputes shall be referred to the
Director of NCDENR- Division of Water Quality for a decision
E. Variances
Persons who wish to undertake uses designated as prohibited have the option of pursuing
a variance. The County may grant minor variances. The variance request procedure shall
be as follows:
1. For any variance request,the County shall make a finding of fact as to
whether the following requirements have been met:
a) There are practical difficulties or unnecessary hardships that prevent
compliance with the strict letter of the riparian buffer protection
requirements. Practical difficulties or unnecessary hardships shall be
evaluated in accordance with the following:
(1) If the applicant complies with the provisions of this Ordinance,
he/she can secure no reasonable return from,nor make reasonable
use of,his/her property. Merely proving that the variance would
permit a greater profit from the property will not be considered
adequate justification for a variance. Moreover,the County shall
consider whether the variance is the minimum possible deviation
from the terms of this Ordinance that will make reasonable use of
the property possible.
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021
(2) The hardship results from application of this Ordinance to the
property rather than from other factors such as deed restrictions or
other hardship.
(3) The hardship is.due to the physical nature of the applicant's
property, such as its size, shape, or topography, which is different
from that of neighboring property.
(4) The applicant did not cause the hardship by knowingly or
unknowingly Violating this Ordinance.
(5) The applicant did not purchase the property after the effee4ive
date of this July 22, 1997, and then requesting meal a
variance.
(6) The hardship is unique to the applicant's property,rather than
the result of conditions that are widespread. If other properties are
equally subject to the hardship created in the restriction, then
granting a variance would be a special privilege denied to others,
and would not promote equal justice.
(7) The variance is in harmony with the general purpose and intent
of the State's riparian buffer protection requirements and preserves
its spirit; and
(8) In granting the variance,the public safety and welfare have
been assured,water quality has been protected, and substantial
justice has been done.
2. Minor Variances
A minor variance request pertains to activities that are proposed only to impact
any portion of Zone 2 of the riparian buffer. Minor variance requests shall be
reviewed and approved based on the criteria in Section 4.13.1 by the County
pursuant to either G.S. 153A-Article 18, or-G.S. 160A A14iele 19. The County
may attach conditions to the variance approval that support the purpose, spirit and
intent of the riparian buffer protection program. Requests for appeals of decisions
made by the County shall be made to the appropriate Board of Adjustment under
G.S. 160A 388 er-G.S. 153A-345.
3. Major Variances
A major variance request pertains to activities that are proposed to impact any
portion of Zone 1 or any portion of both Zones I and 2 of the riparian buffer. If
the County has determined that a major variance request meets the requirements
in Section 4.D.I 4.E.1,then it shall prepare a preliminary finding and submit it to
the Gem missienr Water QualAy Committee of the Environmental Management
Commission. Pr-eliminaff f4adiegs an J . ee r-equests shall be f-evie
by the GewA:nissieff w444a 90 days after-meeipt by the Dir-eeter-. Reques4s fe.-
appeals ef detet:minmiens thm the fequif emefAs of Seatien 4.D.1 have not been
met sha4l be ffiade te the Offiee of Administfafi;ve Heafings for-de4efmiaatien
ffiade b y the D iA si off or-the appropriate B a af 4 a f Adjust-m-le-n-s-s 4 ffia a er-Q 9. 160A
388 or-G.S. 153A 345 &r-detem9nations made by the delegated leeal au4hefity-
The purpose of the Gemmissie . Water Quality Committee's review is to
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022
determine if it agrees that the requirements in Section 4.D.1 4.E.1 have been met.
Requests for appeals of decisions made by the Gemmissionla Water Quality
Committee's shall be made to the Office of Administrative Hearings. The
following actions shall be taken depending on the Eeamnissien Water Quality
Committee's decision on the major variance request:
a) Upon the Water Quality Committee's approval, the
County shall issue a final decision granting the major variance.
b) Upon the Commissien Water Quality Committee's approval with
conditions or stipulations,the County shall issue a final decision,which
includes these conditions or stipulations.
c) Upon the r„r,,miss; Water Quality Committee's denial,the
County shall issue a final decision denying the major variance.
F. Mitigation
Persons who wish to undertake uses designated as allowable with mitigation shall meet
the following requirements in order to proceed with their proposed use.
1. Obtain a determination of"No Practical Alternatives"to the proposed use
pursuant to Section 4.13.
2. Obtain approval for a mitigation proposal pursuant to 155 14cAG 2B .0242
Section G of this Ordinance. (note: the following language is simply 15A NCAC
2B.0242 word for word from the NC Administrative Code).
G. Mitigation Program
The following are the requirements for the Riparian Buffer Mitigation Program for the
Neuse River Basin.
1. . PURPOSE. The purpose of this Rule is to set forth the mitigation
requirements that apply to the Neuse Basin existing riparian buffer protection
program, as described in Section .
2. APPLICABILITY. This Rule applies to persons who wish.to impact a
riparian buffer in the Neuse Basin when one of the following applies:
a) A person has received an Authorization Certificate pursuant to Section
4.A.3 for a proposed use that is designated as "allowable with mitigation."
b) A person has received a variance pursuant to Section 4.E and is
required to perform mitigation as a condition of a variance approval.
3. THE AREA OF MITIGATION. The required area of mitigation shall be
determined by either the County according to the following:
a) The impacts in square feet to each zone of the riparian buffer shall be
determined by the County by adding the following:
(1) The area of the footprint of the use causing the impact to the
riparian buffer.
(2) The area of the boundary of any clearing and grading activities
within the riparian buffer necessary to accommodate the use.
(3) The area of any ongoing maintenance corridors within the
riparian buffer associated with the use.
b) The required area of mitigation shall be determined by applying the
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023
following multipliers to the impacts determined in Section G.3.13 of this
Ordinance to each zone of the riparian buffer:
(1) Impacts to Zone 1 of the riparian buffer shall be multiplied by
3.
(2) Impacts to Zone 2 of the riparian buffer shall be multiplied by
1.5.
(3) Impacts to wetlands within Zones 1 and 2 of the riparian buffer
that are subject to mitigation under 15A NCAC 2H .0506 shall
comply with the mitigation ratios in 15A NCAC 2H .0506.
4. THE LOCATION OF MITIGATION. The mitigation effort shall be the same
distance from the Neuse River estuary as the proposed impact, or closer to the
estuary than the impact, and as close to the location of the impact as feasible.
5. ISSUANCE OF THE MITIGATION DETERMINATION. The County shall
issue.a mitigation determination that specifies the required area and location of
mitigation pursuant to Section G.3 and GA of this Ordinance.
6. OPTIONS FOR MEETING THE MITIGATION DETERMINATION. The
mitigation determination made pursuant to Section G.5 may be met through one
of the following options:
a) Payment of a compensatory mitigation fee to the Riparian Buffer
Restoration Fund pursuant to Section G.7 of this Ordinance.
b) Other options may be available through the Wetlands Restoration
Program.
7. RIPARIAN BUFFER RESTORATION OR ENHANCEMENT. Persons who
choose to meet their mitigation requirement through riparian buffer restoration or
enhancement shall meet the following requirements:
a) The applicant may restore or enhance a non-forested riparian buffer if
either of the following applies:
(1) The area of riparian buffer restoration is equal to the required
area of mitigation determined pursuant to Section G.3 of this
Ordinance.
(2) The area of riparian buffer enhancement is three times larger
than the required area of mitigation determined pursuant to
Section G.3 of this Ordinance.
b) The location of the riparian buffer restoration or enhancement shall
comply with the requirements in Section G.4 of the Ordinance.
c) The riparian buffer restoration or enhancement site shall have a
minimum width of 50 feet as measured.horizontally on a line
perpendicular to the surface water.
d) The applicant shall first receive an Authorization Certificate for the
proposed use according to the requirements of 15A NCAC 2B .0233.
After receiving this determination,the applicant shall submit a restoration
or enhancement plan for approval by the County. The restoration or
enhancement plan shall contain the following.
(1) A map of the proposed restoration or enhancement site.
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024
(2) A vegetation plan. The vegetation plan shall include a
minimum of at least two native hardwood tree species planted at a
density sufficient to provide 320 trees per acre at maturity.
(3) A grading plan. The site shall be graded in a manner to ensure
diffuse flow through the riparian buffer.
(4) A fertilization plan.
(5) A schedule for implementation.
e) Within one year after the County has approved the restoration or
enhancement plan,the applicant shall present proof to the County that the
riparian buffer has been restored or enhanced. If proof is not presented
within this timeframe,then the person shall be in violation of the State's or
the delegated local authority's riparian buffer protection program.
f) The mitigation area shall be placed under a perpetual conservation
easement that will provide for protection of the property's nutrient removal
functions.
g) The applicant shall submit annual reports for a period of five years
after the restoration or enhancement showing that the trees planted have
survived and that diffuse flow through the riparian buffer has been
maintained. The applicant shall replace trees that do not survive and
restore diffuse flow if needed during that five-year period.
H. Requirements Specific to Forest Harvesting
The following requirements shall apply for forest harvesting operations and practices.
1. The following measures shall apply in the entire riparian buffer:
a) Logging decks and sawmill sites shall not be placed in the riparian
buffer.
b) Access roads and skid trails shall be prohibited except for temporary
and permanent stream crossings established in accordance with 15A
NCAC l I .0203. Temporary stream crossings shall be permanently
stabilized after any site disturbing activity is completed.
c) Timber felling shall be directed away from the stream or water body.
d) Skidding shall be directed away from the stream or water body and
shall be done in a manner that minimizes soil disturbance and prevents the
creation of channels or ruts.
e) Individual trees may be treated to maintain or improve their health,
form or vigor.
f) Harvesting of dead or infected trees or application of pesticides
necessary to prevent or control extensive tree pest and disease infestation
shall be allowed. These practices must be approved by the Division of
Forest Resources for a specific site. The Division of Forest Resources
must notify the Division of all approvals.
g) Removal of individual trees that are in danger of causing damage to
structures or human life shall be allowed.
h) Natural regeneration of forest vegetation and planting of trees, shrubs,
or ground cover plants to enhance the riparian buffer shall be allowed
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025
provided that soil disturbance is minimized. Plantings shall consist
primarily of native species.
i) High intensity prescribed bums shall not be allowed.
j) Application of fertilizer shall not be allowed except as necessary for
permanent stabilization. Broadcast application of fertilizer or herbicides
to the adjacent forest stand shall be conducted so that the chemicals are
not applied directly to or allowed to drift into the riparian buffer.
2. In Zone 1,forest vegetation shall be protected and maintained. Selective harvest
as provided for below is allowed on forest lands that have a deferment for use value
under forestry in accordance with G.S. 105-277.2 through 277.6 or on forest lands
that have a forest management plan prepared or approved by a registered professional
forester. Copies of either the approval of the deferment for use value under forestry
or the forest management plan shall be produced upon request. For such forest lands,
selective harvest is allowed in accordance with the following:
a) Tracked or wheeled vehicles are not permitted except at stream
crossings designed, constructed and maintained in accordance with 15A
NCAC 11 .0203.
b) Soil disturbing site preparation activities are not allowed.
c) Trees shall be removed with the minimum disturbance to the soil and
residual vegetation.
d) The following provisions for selective harvesting shall be met:
(1) The first 10 feet of Zone 1 directly adjacent to the stream or
waterbody shall be undisturbed except for the removal of
individual high value trees as defined provided that no trees with
exposed primary roots visible in the streambank be cut.
(2) In the outer 20 feet of Zone 1, a maximum of 50 percent of the
trees greater than five inches dbh may be cut and removed. The
reentry time for harvest shall be no more frequent than every 15
years, except on forest plantations where the reentry time shall be
no more frequent than every five years. In either case,the trees
remaining after harvest shall,be as evenly spaced as possible.
(3) In Zone 2,harvesting and regeneration of the forest stand shall
be allowed provided that sufficient ground cover is maintained to
provide for diffusion and infiltration of surface runoff.
Section 5 New Development Review
New development plans within the SMA must comply with the following three Foles,
Muirements:
A. Riparian areas must be protected and maintained in compliance with this Orange
County Neuse River Basin Stormwater Management Ordinance,
B. Nitrogen load contribution must be held to 3.6 lbs per acre per year, and
C. No net increase in peak flow leaving the site from the predevelopment conditions for
the 1-year, 24-hour storm.
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026
Section 6 Nutrient Load Calculations
For the purpose of this Ordinance new development shall be defined by as to include the
following:
• Any activity that disturbs greater than one acre of land in order to establish,
expand or modify a single family or duplex residential development or a
recreational facility.
• Any activity that disturbs greater than one-half an acre of land in order to
establish, expand, or modify a multifamily residential development or a
commercial,industrial or institutional facility.
New development shall not include agriculture,mining,or forestry activities. Land disturbing
activity is defined as grubbing, stump removal, and/or grading.
A. The nitrogen export from each new development must'be calculated. This export will
be calculated in pounds per acre per year(lbs/ac/yr). The two methodologies that are to
be used are as follows.
1. Method 1
This method is intended for use where lots are shown but the actual footprint of
buildings are not shown on site plans. This method does not require calculation of
the area of building footprints. Rather,the impervious surface resulting from
building footprints is estimated based on typical impervious areas associated with
a given lot size. This method is shown in Appendix 1.
2. Method 2
This method is for residential,commercial, and industrial development when the
entire footprint of the roads,parking lots,buildings, and any other built-upon area
is shown on the site plans. This method is simpler and more accurate since it does
not require estimating the impervious surface based on lot size. Method 2 is
shown in Appendix 2.
a) If a non-residential subdivision plan is submitted without impervious
surfaces not shown,the following two options are available:
(1) Option A
Property owner must specify the areas of impervious surface,
undisturbed open space and managed open space on the property in
a restrictive covenant. Method 2 would then be applied.
(2) Option B
Planning staff will determine a worst-case scenario for the areas of
impervious surface and managed open space for the type of
development specified. Method 2 would then be applied.
B. Nutrient Export Figures
Calculations must be in accordance with either Method 1 or 2 shown in Appendix 1 and
2,respectively, of this Ordinance.
C. Nutrient Export Reduction Options
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027
If calculations show that the development will contribute greater than 3.6 lbs/ac/yr of
nitrogen,then the options shown below are available.
1. Residential Development
a) If the calculated nitrogen export is less than 6.0 lbs/ac/yr, then the
owner may:
(1) Install BMPs specified in Section 8 to reduce nitrogen export
amounts to 3.6 lbs/ac/yr.
(2) Pay a one-time offset payment of$330/lb. This offset fee will
go to the Wetlands Restoration Program(WRP)The WRP will
utilize these fees in accordance with the Basinwide Wetlands and
Riparian Restoration plans. It is the policy of the WRP to utilize
the funds where they are generated to the maximum extent
possible.
(3) A combination of BMPs and offset payments may be used to
achieve 3.6 lbs/ac/yr.
b) If the calculated export is greater than 6.0 lbs/ac/yr,the owner must
use on-site BMPs to lower the nitrogen export to 6.0 lbs/ac/yr. The owner
may then use one of the above options to achieve a nitrogen export level
of 3.6 lbs/ac/yr.
2. Commercial and Industrial
a) If the calculated export is less than 10.0 lbs/ac/yr, then the owner may:
(1) Install BMPs specified in Section 8 to reduce nitrogen export
amounts to 3.6 lbs/ac/yr.
(2) Pay a one-time offset payment of$330/lb. This offset fee will
go to the Wetlands Restoration Program(WRP)The WRP will
utilize these fees in accordance with the Basinwide Wetlands and
Riparian Restoration plans. It is the policy of the WRP to utilize
the funds where they are generated to the maximum extent
possible.
(3) A combination of BMPs and offset payments may be used to
achieve 3.6 lbs/ac/yr.
b) If the calculated export is greater than 10.0 lbs/ac/yr, the owner must
use BMPs to lower the nitrogen export to 10.0 lbs/ac/yr. The owner may
then use one of the above options to achieve a nitrogen export level of 3.6
lbs/ac/yr.
D. Calculating Peak Runoff Volume
For all new development,there shall be no net increase in peak flow leaving the site from
the predevelopment conditions for the I year,24 hour storm.
1. The following are acceptable methodologies for computing the pre- and post-
development conditions for the 1 year, 24 hour storm.
a) Rational Method
b) Peak Discharge Method as described in the USDA Soil Conservation
21
028
Service's Technical Release Number 55 (TR-55).
c) Putnam Method
d) Alternative methods must be approved by the County and the EMC
2. The same method must be used for both the pre- and post- development
conditions.
3. Raleigh Rainfall Depths
a) 1 year, 24 hour depth: 3.00 inches
b) 1 year, 24 hour intensity: under development by DWQ staff
E. Exemptions to the Peak Flow Requirements
Peak flow requirements are waived for development that meets the following criteria:
1. Increase in peak flow between pre- and post-development conditions does not
exceed 10% (ten percent).
2. Proposed new development meets all of the following criteria:
a) total impervious surface is less than 15%(fifteen percent), and
b) remaining pervious surface maximizes stormwater runoff control and
conveyance.
3. Detention will cause further flooding on lands that have experience flooding
during previous storm events. This request for exemption must be prepared by a
North Carolina registered professional engineer and submitted in writing to the
Planning Director or Designee. Appeals of this decision will follow Section 7-E
of this Ordinance.
Section 7 Stormwater Management Plan
A. Plan Requirements
1. Permanent on-site BMPs must be shown as part of the Stormwater
Management Plan and accompany the Land-Disturbing Plan submittal. BMPs are
to be in accordance with the NC and MD design manuals.
2. All calculations for Nitrogen Export, Peak Run-off Volume, and permanent
BMPs designed for Nitrogen Removal must be included in the submittal of the
Stormwater Development Plan.
B. Plan Approval
The Enforcement Officer is authorized to approve any Stormwater Management Plan
which is in conformance with the performance standards specified in the Orange County
Design Manual, and other requirements of this Ordinance.
C. Approved Plan a Prerequisite
The Enforcement Officer is not authorized to issue any permits for development on any
land within the Neuse River Basin that is defined as new development under Section 5 of
this Ordinance unless and until a Stormwater Development Plan in compliance with the
requirements of this Section has been approved.
D. Design of Permanent Nitrogen Export Reduction BMPs
When a permanent nitrogen export reduction BMP is required for new development to
meet the requirements of this Ordinance,a North Carolina registered professional
22
engineer shall prepare the plan with the Engineer's Certification of Stormwater
Management as shown in Appendix 3 affixed, signed, sealed and dated.
E. Fees
The Stormwater Management Plan Review Fee shall be paid at the time of submittal. The
fee shall be based upon the current Orange County Planning Fee Schedule.
F. Appeals
Appeals of the Enforcement Officer's decision on a Stormwater Management Plan shall
be made to the Orange County Planning Director. If the Planning Director upholds the
decision,the person shall be entitled to a public hearing if such person submits written
demand for a hearing within 15 days after receipt of written notice of disapproval,
modification,or conditions of approval.
1. Hearings held pursuant to this section shall be conducted by the Orange
County Planning Board within 30 days after receipt of written demand for such
hearing made by the person submitting the plan
2. The Orange County Planning Board shall make recommendations to the
Board of Commissioners of Orange County within 30 days after the date of
hearing on such erosion control plan.
3. The Board of Commissioners of Orange County will render its final decision
on any erosion control plan upon which a hearing is requested within 30 days of
receipt of the recommendations, from the agency conducting the hearing.
Section 8 Permanent Nitrogen Export Reduction Best Management Practices
A. Permanent On-site Nitrogen Export Reduction BMPs
The following on-site BMPs may be utilized for reducing nitrogen from new
developments:
1. Wet detention ponds
. 2. Constructed wetlands
3. Open channel practices
4. Riparian buffers
5. Bioretention
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030
Section 9 BMP Construction
A. Total Nitrogen Removal Rates
Each BMP receives an assigned TN (total nitrogen)removal rate.
BMP Type TN Removal Rate Appropriate Design Standards
Wet detention ponds 25% NC and MD Design Manuals
Constructed wetlands 40% NC and MD Design Manuals
Open channel practices 30% NC and MD Design Manuals
Riparian buffers 30% Orange Co. Buffer Standards
Vegetated buffer strips with 20% NC and MD Design Manuals
level spreader
Bioretention 25% NC and MD Design Manuals
Sand filters 35% NC and MD Design Manuals
Other BMPs varies subject to Orange County and
NCDENR-DWQ approval
1. If more than one BMP is installed in series on a development,then the
removal rate shall be determined through SERIAL rather than additive
calculations.
a) Example:
If a wet detention pond discharges through a riparian buffer,then the TN
removal rate would be 47.5%. This number is reached by assuming that
the pond removes 25%of the TN and discharges 75%into the riparian
buffer. The buffer then removes 30%of the nitrogen discharged by the
pond, which is 22.5%. This totals 47.5% (25%+22.5%=47.5%).
Theremoval rate is NOT 25%plus 30%.
B. Surety
The financially responsible party may be required to file with Orange County an
improvement security,performance bond or letter of credit in the form of an escrow
account or other instruments satisfactory to the County attorney in the amount deemed
sufficient by the County to cover all costs of repairing or installing the required
Permanent BMPs according to requirements of this Ordinance, and the approved
Stormwater Management Plans. The amount of such surety requirement shall be
determined by the County. Such surety shall be valid until the work is completed in
accordance with the Stormwater Management Plan and until same is released by the
County. Applicable surety shall be forfeited upon violation of this Ordinance and shall be
used to establish protective cover on the site,to control the velocity of runoff, and/or
prevent off-site nitrogen export. Any monies in excess of the cost of providing protective
measures shall be refunded to the applicant. Surety shall be released when the County has
certified that the requirements of this Ordinance have been met. Surety amounts will be
determined by rates set in the Orange County Planning Fee Schedule.
24
031
Section 10 Annual Maintenance
A. If BMPs are shown on a development plan, then a signed, and notarized maintenance
agreement must accompany them. The agreement must include the following:
1. Name and address of the person or organization financially responsible for
paying the annual inspection fee;
2. Name(s)and address(es) of all parties to whom a copy of the annual
inspection report should go;
3. Name and address of the person or organization financially responsible for all
maintenance specified in the annual inspection report;
4. Emergency contact information;
5. And a standard maintenance plan which includes but is not limited to:
a) any mowing of permanent vegetation,
b) any removal of bushes*and trees from the dam of a wet detention pond,
c) reseeding of any eroding areas of the wet detention ponds,open
channel practices,riparian buffers, and vegetated filter strips,
d) replacing of impaired vegetation in a constructed wetlands or riparian
buffer,
e) removal of debris from the 'trash rack' on any wet detention pond or
sand filter,
f) and repair of any damage to structural aspects of wet detention ponds,
constructed wetlands, level spreaders, and sand filters.
6. In residential subdivisions where a Homeowner's Association will be
assuming responsibility for all permanent BMPs, a signed and notarized
Homeowner's Association Notification(Appendix 4- Sample Maintenance
Agreement) form will be required, and a revised maintenance agreement must be
submitted. This must be given to the Orange County Planning Department before
the Land Disturbing Permit may be closed, and any construction bond held on the
permanent Nitrogen Reduction BMPs may be released.
B. Fee
The Annual Maintenance Inspection Fee for the first year shall paid before:
1. the release of any Final Certificate of Occupancy for Non-Residential
Properties.
2. the release of the construction bond for Residential or Non-Residential
Properties.
The fee shall be based upon the current Orange County Planning Fee Schedule,and shall
be paid to Orange County following each annual inspection.
C. Failure to Pay Fee
Failure to pay the Annual Maintenance Inspection Fee will be deemed a violation of the
Ordinance.
Section 11 Land Use Planning Provisions
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032
All feasible site design techniques that reduce impervious surface on new development should be
utilized during the planning process. Where possible, the following planning techniques should
be incorporated into any plan for new development:
• minimize any road widths,
• reduce minimum parking requirements,
• minimize the use of curb and gutter,
• maximize the use of cluster or open space developments,
• maximize the use of traditional neighborhoods,and
• maximize mixed use developments.
Section 12 Jurisdiction-Wide and Inter-Local Approaches
Orange County shall have the option of implementing jurisdiction-wide and/or inter-local
approaches to achieve nitrogen reductions.
Any jurisdiction-wide and/or inter-local approaches must be approved by the Orange County
Board of Commissioners, and the Environmental Management Commission before
implementation.
Section 13 Jurisdiction-Wide Collection of Illegal Discharge Information
Orange County Planning and Inspections shall collect information related to Illegal
Discharges from all applicable sources within its Jurisdiction within the Neuse River Basin.
Section 14 Illegal Discharges
Orange County shall implement a program to prevent, identify and remove illegal discharges.
This section of the Ordinance establishes methods for controlling the introduction of pollutants
into the stormwater collection system.
A. Discharge Prohibitions
No person shall discharge or cause to be discharged into the stormwater collection system
any materials, including but not limited to pollutants or waters containing any pollutants
that cause or contribute to a violation of applicable water quality standards, other than
stormwater.
B. Allowable Discharges
The commencement, conduct, or continuance of any illegal discharge to the stormwater
collection system is prohibited except as described as follows:
1. The following discharges are exempt from discharge prohibitions established
by this Ordinance provided that they do not significantly impact water quality:
a) Waterline flushing,
b) Landscape irrigation,
c) Diverted stream flows,
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d) Uncontaminated rising groundwater,
e) Uncontaminated groundwater infiltration to the stormwater collection
system,
f) Uncontaminated pumped groundwater,
g) Discharges from potable water sources,
h) Foundation drains,
i) Uncontaminated air conditioning condensation,
j) Irrigation water,
k) Springs,
1), Water from crawl space pumps,
in) Footing drains,
n) Lawn watering,
o) Non-commercial car washing,
p) Flows from riparian habitats and wetlands,
q) NPDES permitted discharges,
r) Street wash water,
s) Fire fighting emergency activities,
t) Wash water from the cleaning of buildings,
u) Dechlorinated backwash and draining associated with swimming
pools,and
v) Flows from firefighting.
w) Discharges specified in writing by the County as being necessary to
public health and safety.
x) Dye testing is an allowable discharge,but requires verbal notification
to the County prior to the time of the test.
y) Any non-stormwater discharge permitted under an NPDES permit,
waiver, or waste discharge order issued to the discharger and administered
under the authority of the Federal Environmental Protection Agency,
provided that the discharger is in full compliance with all requirements of
the permit,waiver, or waste discharge order and other applicable laws and
regulations, and provided that written approval has been granted for any
discharge to the stormwater collection system.
C. Prohibited Discharges
1. It is a violation of this Ordinance for any person to discharge any substance
into the stormwater collection system which by its nature, may:
a) become a public health hazard endangering human or animal health.
b) interfere with the free and rapid flow of surface water.
c) be flammable or explosive.
d) be toxic to human, animal or plant life.
e) be corrosive or damaging to the stormwater collection system.
f) affect adversely the State of North Carolina classification of the stream
into which the discharge flows.
2. Non-allowable discharges include, but are not limited to,the following:
a) Dumping of oil, anti-freeze, chemicals, garbage,paint or cleaning
fluids,
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034
b) Untreated animal waste,
c) Commercial car washes,
d) Industrial discharges,
e) Contaminated foundation drains,
f) Cooling water unless no chemicals are added, and a NPDES permit is
in place,
g) Washwaters from commercial and industrial activities;
h) Sanitary sewer discharges,
i) Septic tank discharges,
j) Washing machine discharges, and
k) Chlorinated backwash and draining associated with swimming pools.
D. Prohibition of Illegal Connections
1. The construction,use,maintenance, or continued existence of illegal
connections to the stormwater collection system is prohibited. Any connection to
the stormwater collection system which allows the discharge of non-stormwater,
other than the exclusions listed in Section 17.13.1 of this Ordinance, is prohibited.
2. This prohibition expressly includes, without limitation, illegal connections
made in the past,regardless of whether the connection was permissible under law
or practices applicable or prevailing at the time of the connection.
3. A person is considered to be in violation of this Ordinance if the person
connects a line conveying sewage to the stormwater collection system, or allows
such a collection to continue.
4. Where such connections,exist in violation of this Ordinance, and said
connections existed prior to the adoption of this Ordinance,the property owner, or
person using said connection shall have shall remove the connection within one
(1)year following the adoption of this Ordinance. This grace period shall not
apply to connections which may result in the discharge of hazardous materials or
other discharges which pose an immediate threat to health and safety, or are likely
to result in immediate injury and harm to human, animal or plant life, and natural
resources.
a) Where it is determined that the one (1)year grace period shall not
apply, the Planning Director or Designee shall determine the time within
which the connection shall be removed. In setting the time limit for
compliance,the County shall take into consideration:
(1) The quantity and complexity of the work.
(2) The consequences of delay.
(3) The potential harm to the environment, to the public health, to
public and private property,to wildlife, and to natural resources.
(4) The cost of remedying the damage.
E. Spills
Spills or leaks of polluting substances discharged to, or having the potential to reach the
stormwater collection system, shall be contained, controlled, collected, and removed
promptly. All affected areas shall be restored to their preexisting condition.
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035
1. Notification of Spills
a) Notwithstanding other requirements of law, as soon as any person
responsible for a facility or operation, or responsible for emergency
response for a facility or operation has information of any known or
suspected release of materials which are resulting or may result in illegal
discharges or pollutants discharging into or may reach the stormwater
collection system or waters of the Neuse River Basin in Orange County,
said person shall take all necessary steps to ensure the discovery,
containment, and cleanup of such discharge. In the event of such a
discharge of hazardous materials, said person shall immediately notify
emergency response agencies of the occurrence via emergency dispatch
services, and shall notify the County within twenty-four(24)hours. In the
event of a discharge of non-hazardous materials, said person shall notify
the County no later than the next business day. All notifications shall be
confirmed by written notice addressed and mailed to the County within
three(3)business days of the discharge.
b) Notification shall not relieve said person of.
(1) any liability or expense related to the discharge.
(2) restoration of any area affected by the discharge to preexisting
conditions.
(3) liability or violation of any regulatory body of the County,
State or Federal government.
Section 15 Inspections and Investigations.
A. Site Inspections
Agents, officials, or other qualified persons authorized by the County will periodically
inspect on-site BMPs,protected buffers, and illegal discharges to ensure:
1. compliance with 9%-Aet—,this Ordinance, er-vales or-or-defs adopted or-issiaed
P to uh&'; fflRdiffl.aflee.
2. whether the measures required in the plan are being constructed in accordance
with the approved plan;
3. whether the permanent BMPs are in need of any maintenance including, but
not limited to, the following:
a) mowing of vegetation,
b) vegetation re-establishment,
c) tree removal (especially from wet detention ponds),
d) stabilization of any eroding areas, and
e) structural (pipe,riser, dam, etc) repair.
B. Notice of the right to inspect shall be included in the letter of approval of each
Stormwater Management Plan.
C. Authority to Enter Property and Conduct Investigations and Inspections
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036
No person shall willfully resist, delay, or obstruct an authorized representative, employee,
or agent of Orange County, while that person is
r-e"ir-ed en site BN4P-reviewing compliance with the provisions of this Ordinance. The
Enforcement Officer shall have the power to conduct such investigations as deemed
reasonably necessary to carry out the duties as prescribed in this Ordinance, and for this
purpose to enter at reasonable times upon any property,public or private, for the purpose
of kwes+;,..,-ing and: eeti g the sites of ea,.,,.equiroa A- reviewing
compliance with the provisions of this Ordinance.No person shall refuse entry or access
to any authorized representative or agent of the county who request entry for purposes of
inspection, and who presents appropriate credentials, nor shall any person obstruct,
hamper or interfere with any such representative while in the process of carrying out their
official duties.
D. Notice of Violation
If it is determined that a person responsible for
p efmaaeafit-eat e_B MP, or-r-eff ieval of any illegal Pis o compliance with the
provisions of this Ordinance has failed to comply with the et,this Ordinance
, a notice of violation shall be
served upon that person. The notice may be served by any means authorized under G.S.
1A-1,rule 4. The notice shall specify a date by which the person must comply with the
A4, or this Ordinance , and inform
the person of the actions that need to be taken to comply with the s �'- or
. However, no time period for
compliance need be given for encroaching on the riparian buffer or obstructing,
hampering or interfering with an authorized representative while in the process of
carrying out their official duties. Any person who fails to comply within the time
specified is subject to the civil and criminal penalties provided in this Ordinance.
In the event service cannot be accomplished by registered or certified mail, it may be
accomplished in any manner provided in rule(4)j of the North Carolina Rules of Civil
Procedure.
E. Power to Require Statements
The Enforcement Officer shall also have the power to require written statements, or the
filing of reports under oath, with respect to pertinent questions relating to land-disturbing
activities.
F. Stop Work Orders
Whenever any person is violating this Ordinance
, or any term, condition, or provisions of an approved
Stormwater Management Plan, the Enforcement Officer may, either before or after the
institution of any other action or proceeding authorized by this Ordinance, issue a stop
work order for the site on which the violation has occurred. Upon issuance of such an
order and the posting of same on the site of the violation, all work on the site of the
violation shall cease, except those activities necessary to bring the site into compliance
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037
with this Ordinance. Notice of the stop work order shall be in writing,directed to the
person conducting the land-disturbing activity and shall state the reasons for the issuance
of the order, and the conditions under which work may be resumed.Notice shall be given
by registered or certified mail.
In the event service cannot be accomplished by registered or certified mail,it may be
accomplished in any manner provided in rule 40) of the North Carolina Rules of Civil
Procedure.
G. Appeal of Stop Work Order
The person conducting the development activity may appeal a stop work order to the
County Commissioners within a period of five days after the order is issued.Notice of
appeal shall be given in writing to the Commissioners,with a copy to the Enforcement
Officer. The County Commissioners shall conduct a hearing at their next scheduled
meeting at which the appellant and the Enforcement Officer or Inspector shall be
permitted to submit relevant evidence, and shall rule on the appeal as expeditiously as
possible. Pending the ruling by the Commissioners on an appeal,no further work shall
take place in violation of a stop work order.
Section 16 Penalties
A. Civil Penalties
1. Assessment of Penalties
Any person who violates any of the provisions of this Ordinance or rules or orders
adopted or issued pursuant to this Ordinance, or who fails to install, or complete
any permanent on-site Nitrogen Reduction BMP or fails to conduct required
maintenance on any permanent on-site BMP,or fails to remove an identified
Illegal Discharge shall be subject to a civil penalty. The maximum civil penalty
for a violation is&ve t4ettsaad'dellafs ($5,000). for those violations not willfully
or unknowingly committed is ten thousand dollars ($10,000) per day, and for
those violations that are continued willfully and knowingly,the maximum is
twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000)per day. If, after the allotted time period
has expired,the violator has not completed corrective action, a civil penalty may
be assessed from the date the violation is detected. However, no time period for
compliance need be given for failure to submit the Storinwater Management Plan
for approval or for obstructing, hampering, or interfering with an authorized
representative while in the process of carrying out his official duties. Each day of
a continuing violation shall constitute a separate violation under Section 22 (A)(!)
16.A.1.
2. Demand for Payment of Penalty
The Orange County Board of Commissioners shall notify the person who is
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033
assessed the civil penalty of the amount of the penalty and the reason for
assessing the penalty. The notice of assessment shall be served by any means
authorized under Section 24-G 15.1) of this Ordinance, and shall direct the violator
to either pay the assessment or contest the assessment,within 30 days after the
receipt of the notice of assessment,by written demand for a hearing.
If payment is not received within 30 days after demand for payment is made,the
County or town may institute a civil action to recover the amount of the
assessment. The civil action may be brought in the Superior Court of the County
where the violation occurred,or the violator's residence or principal place of
business is located. Such civil actions must be filed within three (3)years of the
date the assessment was due. An assessment that is not contested is due when the
violator is served with a notice of assessment. An assessment that is contested is
due at the conclusion of the administrative and judicial,review of the assessment.
Refer to the procedure as followed by the County.
3. Use of Penalties
Civil penalties collected pursuant to this Ordinance shall be credited to the general
fund of the local government as nontax revenue.
4. Criminal Penalties
Any person who knowingly or willingly violates any provision of this Ordinance
or rule or order adopted or issued pursuant to this Ordinance, or who knowingly
or willfully initiates or continues a development activity for which a Stormwater
Management Plan is required except in accordance with the terms, conditions, and
provisions of an approved plan shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by
imprisonment not to exceed 90 days or by a fine of not less than fifty($50) dollars
per day, with a maximum of fifteen thousand($15,000)dollars per day-aa
exeeed$5,000, or by both, at the discretion of the court.
Section 17 Injunctive Relief
A. Civil Action in Superior Court
Whenever the governing body of the Tow; County has reasonable cause to believe
that any person is violating or threatening to violate this Ordinance or any rule or order
adopted or issued pursuant to this Ordinance; or any term, condition, or provision of an
approved erosion control plan, it may, either before or after the institution of any other
action or proceeding authorized by this Ordinance, institute a civil action in the name of
the te�N%e County for injunctive relief to restrain the violation or threatened violation.
The action shall be brought in the Superior Court of Orange County.
B. Order to Cease Violation
Upon determination by a court that an alleged violation is occurring or is threatened, the
court shall enter any order or judgement that is necessary to abate the violation,to ensure
that restoration is performed, or to prevent the threatened violation. The institution of an
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039
action for injunctive relief under this section shall not relieve any parry to the proceedings
from any civil or criminal penalty prescribed for violations of this Ordinance.
Section 18 Compliance with Requirements
Any person engaged in new development activities as defined by this Ordinance who fails
to file a plan in accordance with this Ordinance, or who conducts any new development
except in accordance with provisions of an approved Stormwater Management plan shall
be deemed in violation of this Ordinance.
Section 19 Severability
If any one or more sections or portions thereof of this Ordinance are held to be invalid or
unenforceable, all other sections and portions thereof shall nevertheless continue in full
force and effect.
Section 20 Effective Date
This Ordinance will become effective upon passage by the Orange County Board of
Commissioners and the approval of the Environmental Management Commission.
Section 21 Revisions to this Ordinance
The County shall review all the Commission's revisions to the Model Ordinance and,
within 90 days of receipt of the recommended revisions, submit draft amendments to the
Commission for its consideration and comments.Within 150 days after receipt of the
Commissions' comments,the County will formally consider proposed amendments and to
the extent deemed necessary by the County,incorporate the amendments into the
Stormwater Management Ordinance.
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School because they think that it is the best school in the County. She said that her daughter has been
diagnosed as exquisitely allergic because she has a chronic bloody nose. Duke says that it is because of
Hillsborough Elementary and the mold that is there. She urged the Commissioners`to support the
improvements at Hillsborough Elementary. She also voiced her support for Spanish classes in all of the
elementary schools and for a consolidated school system.
Rick Kennedy is a parent of three children in the Orange County Schools. He said that he has no-argument
for a third high school in Chapel Hill, but this should not be taken out on the students attending Orange
County Schools. He said that if the middle school is not in the bond, then that is what is going to happen.
Carolyn Miller, parent of three children in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, asked that the County
Commissioners appropriate money from the bond issue for a new high school for Chapel Hill-Carrboro City
Schools. She also spoke in support of soccer fields.
Noah Ranells asked that parkland and open space be fully funded. He supports activities for all people in
greater Orange County rather than Carrboro and Chapel Hill. He spoke about the cost of development and
that the tax dollars are not really balanced in terms of the benefits of rural agricultural landowners and their
families. He asked the Commissioners to try and balance growth in the County. He said that a specific
opportunity is an environmentallagricultural center that serves the whole County..
Norm Gustaveson endorsed affordable housing, senior centers, schools, and parks and open space. He
greatly supports farmland preservation and land acquisition.
Annette Juraelski spoke on behalf of the Orange-Chatham Sierra Club. She is also a member of the
Commission for the Environment. She spoke in support of open space.
Susan Halkiotis a member of the Orange County Board of`Education, said that Orange County Schools
received some late breaking,projections that blindsided everyone. She said that the numbers for the bond
referendum are also blindsiding and make checking and double-checking with the school staff nearly
impossible. She spoke l about Hillsborough Elementary School and the board's decision to keep the building
open for the community. She said that the children have done so well because of the wonderful staff and
parents. She said that the building is by no means adequate. For example, the fourth and fifth graders have
one bathroom for over 150 children. She said that she is afraid that the building was kept open at the
expense of losing a new middle school.
Dana Thompson, a member of the Orange County Board of Education, said that she supports senior
centers, affordable housing, parks and recreation, and the schools. She assured the County Commissioner;
that the board members would be out there publicly supporting the other needs in the bond referendum. Sh(
reiterated that the point'of bringing up the proposal of shared space was not to say that a high school was nc
needed in Chapel Hill, but to be willing to work and smooth the process along. The board does think that a
new middle school is needed in Orange County before a high school is needed in Chapel Hill.
A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Brown to close the public
hearing.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
D. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS
1. Orange County Stormwater Program for Lands'vAthin the Neuse River Basin
a. Adjust fines to State minimum levels in order to receive delegated authority
b. Make regulatory language more specific
Planning Director Craig Benedict made this presentation. In order to comply with NCAC 15A
explained in the agenda abstract. Impacts that would require submittal to the Division of Water Quality'befor
any approvals could be issued by the County include driveway crossings that disturb greater than 25 linear
feet of the buffer, bridges, greenway trails, utilities, ponds and road crossings. The Stormwater Ordinance
amendments conform to requirements by NCDENR-Division of Water Quality, the Environmental.
Management Commission and the NC Administrative Code, rules 15A 213 .0233 and .01241. These changes
are the result of the State Attorney General's office extensive review, NCDENR-DWQ staff enforcement
experience and the recommendations of Harmony Whalen.
There were no public comments.
A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to close the
public hearing.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Brown to place this
item on an upcoming Board of County Commissioners'agenda during which planning matters are
considered.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
2. Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Ordinance Amendments.
a. Changes minimum thresholds for grading permits in the Cane Creek and Upper Eno
Watersheds
Craig Benedict said that the proposed change is an update to the maps. The updates include the
Upper Eno and Cane Creek watersheds and reduce the threshold for required land disturbance permits from
20,000 square feet to 10,000 square feet'.-
There were no public comments.,
A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Brown to close the
public hearing.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to place this
item on an upcoming Board of County Commissioners'agenda during which planning matters are
considered.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
3. ORANGE COUNTY SUBDIVISION AMENDMENTS
a. Modify Section IV-B-3 Streets
1. Amend Section IV-B-3-a provision of streets rights-of-way
2. Amend Section IV-B-3-b
Craig Benedict distributed new language for these subdivision amendments. He said that these
amendments have to do with clarifying provisions for street rights-of-way and also a coordinated street
system within subdivisions. He distributed documents with the proposed language changes and read throng
the changes,
Nicole Gooding-Ray, Chair of the Planning Board, asked for an explanation of the last paragrapt
in Section IV B-3-b. Craig Benedict said that"private streets"was included in the lead in paragraph and the
staff did not believe it was necessary to put it in the last paragraph since some subdivisions include private
streets and some include public streets.
Commissioner Gordon asked flow staff would review proposals differently now from what they
had previously and how this would affect Commissioner deliberations. Craig Benedict said that there would
be better guidance and a recommendation could be made to the Planning Board and Commission with a
clear coordinated street system.
There were no public comments.
A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to close the
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
e. HOME/Housing Bond Programs—Meadowrnont Condominiums
The Board considered the allocation of$180,000 in HOME Investment Partnership funds to
the Orange Community Housing and Land Trust in the form of a grant and also considered the Capital
Project Ordinance authorizing the expenditure of$350,000 in housing bond funding and$50,000 in
Housing Trust funds.
Commissioner Gordon asked about the grant versus the deferred loan. Housing and
Community Development Director Tara Fikes said that traditionally the HOME funds and the Housing
Bond funds were in the form of a deferred loan with the idea that if a property was no longer affordable
the there would be some repayment requirement. This is a grant because the properties are being put
in the land trust, thereby guaranteeing long-term affordability. This would also allow a reduction in the
improvements to the property.
A motion was made by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to:
1. Approve the allocation of$180,000 in HOME Investment Partnership funds to the Orange
Community Housing and Land Trust in the form of a grant and authorize the County
Manager in consultation with the County Attorney to execute a Grant Agreement on behalf
of the County; and
2. Approve the Capital Project Ordinance authorizing the expenditure of$350,000 in housing
bond funding and $50,000 in Housing Trust fund dollars; and authorizing the County
Manager upon the County Attorney's review and approval,to execute a Development
Agreement with Orange Community Housing and Land Trust on behalf of the County.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
h. Orange County Stormwater Program Regulatory Enhancements for Lands Within the
Meuse River Basin
The Board considered the Orange County Stormwater Program Regulatory Enhancements for
Lands within the Neuse River Basin.
Planning Director Craig Benedict explained the amendments as listed in the agenda abstract.
A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to
approve and adopt the amendments noted in this item and to forward Orange County's official request
for Delegated Authority to NCDENR—Division of Water Quality and the Environmental Management
Commission.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
i. Approval of Professional Services for Land Records Indexina System Analysis
The Board considered the use of Lee Software Development for system analysis of the
indexing component of the Orange County Land Records System.
Commissioner Jacobs asked Register of Deeds Joyce Pearson if she was getting the needed
staff support to make this happen, Joyce Pearson said that the focus of this work would be on the
interfacing of the mainframe. Any software will have to interface with the mainframe. Currently,this
process is straightened out.
Chair Halkiotis thanked Joyce Pearson for all she has done to bring the Register of Deeds
office into the 215`century.
A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to
approve and authorize the Chair to sign a contract with Lee Software Development that reflects
substantially the accompanying scope of work, in an amount not to exceed$20,000; and to authorize the
Purchasing Director to execute the appropriate paperwork.