HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 04-07-2015 - 7aORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: April 7, 2015
Action Agenda
Item No. 7 -a
1
SUBJECT: Joint Planning Land Use Plan and Agreement Amendments — Agricultural
Support Enterprises Within the Rural Buffer Land Use Classification
DEPARTMENT: Planning and Inspections PUBLIC HEARING: (Y /N) No
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution Approving Amendments
2. Resolutions Adopted by the Towns of
Carrboro and Chapel Hill
3. Highlighted Joint Planning Documents
Showing Changes from Version
Previously Approved by the BOCC
4. List of Town Elected Board Meetings
INFORMATION CONTACT:
Perdita Holtz, Planner III, (919) 245 -2578
Craig Benedict, Director, (919) 245 -2592
PURPOSE: To reconsider County- initiated amendments to the Joint Planning Land Use Plan
and Agreement to allow for the possibility of locating appropriate Agricultural Support
Enterprises within the Rural Buffer land use classification.
BACKGROUND: The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) approved a version of these
County- initiated amendments at its meeting on June 3, 2014. Materials, including extensive
background information, are available at (Item 7 -d):
http : / /oranpecountync.pov /occierks /140603. pdf.
Amendments to the Joint Planning Land Use Plan and Agreement must be approved by Orange
County and the Towns of Chapel Hill and Carrboro. County Planning staff has worked
extensively with Town staffs, advisory boards, and elected boards since the March 27, 2014
joint public hearing. The item was discussed at both the October 16, 2014 joint Orange
County /Town of Carrboro meeting and the November 19, 2014 Assembly of Governments
meeting. The Town of Carrboro adopted a second resolution approving the amendments on
January 27, 2015 (replacing the version adopted by the Town on October 14, 2014) and the
Town of Chapel Hill adopted the same resolution on March 9, 2015 (see Attachment 2).
The resolutions adopted by the Towns differ from the version of the amendments previously
adopted by the BOCC. Because the three local governments must agree to the same language,
the amendments must be reconsidered by the BOCC and approved. The document in
Attachment 3 contains the proposed Joint Planning Land Use Plan and Agreement text
amendments with changes from the previously adopted version highlighted in yellow.
The resolutions adopted by the Towns also include recommendations regarding the proposed
amendments to the County's Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). These recommendations
will be incorporated into the version of the UDO amendments the BOCC is scheduled to
consider on May 5, 2015. It should be noted that one of the recommendations (removal of four
uses from consideration in the Rural Buffer) must be included in the version of the UDO adopted
by the County as the Towns' approval of the JPA amendments were predicated on the removal
of these uses. The County's intention to include the Towns' recommendations in the UDO
amendments is stated in one of the "Whereas" paragraphs in the Resolution in Attachment 1.
Attachment 4 contains a list of meeting dates this subject was addressed on the Towns'
meetings agendas. The information is included for those who may wish to look up agenda
materials, minutes, and /or video footage on the respective Town websites.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: Consideration and approval will not create the need for additional
funding for the provision of County services. Costs for the required legal advertisement were
paid from FY2013 -14 Departmental funds budgeted for this purpose. This initiative has required
extensive staff time and existing Planning staff included in the Departmental staffing budget has
accomplished the work required to process this amendment.
RECOMMENDATION: The Manager recommends the Board:
1. Deliberate as necessary on the proposed amendments to the Joint Planning Land Use
Plan and Agreement; and
2. Decide accordingly and /or adopt the Resolution contained in Attachment 1 which
approves the amendments to the Joint Planning Land Use Plan and Agreement.
Resolution #: RES -2015 -023 Attachment 1 3
A RESOLUTION AMENDING
THE JOINT PLANNING LAND USE PLAN AND JOINT PLANNING AGREEMENT TO
ALLOW FOR THE POSSIBILITY OF LOCATING APPROPRIATE
AGRICULTURAL SUPPORT ENTERPRISES IN THE
RURAL BUFFER LAND USE CLASSIFICATION
WHEREAS, Orange County, the Town of Chapel Hill, and the Town of Carrboro entered into a
Joint Planning Agreement originally dated September 22, 1987 and amended from time to
time, and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Joint Planning Agreement, a Joint Planning Land Use Plan was
adopted on October 13, 1986 by all parties to the Joint Planning Agreement, and has since
been amended on several occasions, and
WHEREAS, Orange County initiated amendments to the Orange County Comprehensive Plan
and Unified Development Ordinance in order to adopt a regulatory program referred to as
"Agricultural Support Enterprises Within the Rural Buffer Land Use Classification," a program
the County has been working on since 2001, and
WHEREAS, amendments to the Joint Planning Land Use Plan and Agreement are necessary
prior to Orange County adopting the aforementioned Comprehensive Plan and Unified
Development Ordinance amendments, and
WHEREAS, a joint public hearing regarding the proposed Joint Planning Land Use Plan and
Agreement amendments was held on March 27, 2014, in accordance with the requirements of
the Joint Planning Agreement, and
WHEREAS, the topic was further discussed by the three governments at the November 19,
2014 Assembly of Governments meeting, and
WHEREAS, the Towns of Chapel Hill and Carrboro have made recommendations regarding
the proposed amendments to the County's Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) which
would implement the Agricultural Support Enterprises program within the Rural Buffer land use
classification, and
WHEREAS, Orange County will incorporate the recommendations made by the Towns into the
proposed UDO text amendments which are scheduled to be considered at a later date.
NOW THEREFORE, the Board of Commissioners of Orange County hereby resolves that the
Joint Planning Land Use Plan and Agreement be amended as shown on the attached pages.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the amendments to the Joint Planning Land Use Plan and
Agreement shall become effective upon adoption by the governing bodies of Orange County,
Chapel Hill, and Carrboro.
M
Upon motion of Commissioner , seconded by
Commissioner , the foregoing resolution was adopted this
day of , 2015.
I, Donna S. Baker, Clerk to the Board of Commissioners for Orange County, DO
HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing is a true copy of so much of the proceedings of said
Board at a meeting held on
, 2015 as relates in any way to the
adoption of the foregoing and that said proceedings are recorded in the minutes of the said
Board.
WITNESS my hand and the seal of said County, this day of
2015.
SEAL
Clerk to the Board of Commissioners
f
5
Excerpted Pages of Joint Planning Land Use Plan
*Suburban Residential Areas are designated for housing densities ranging from one (1) to five
dwell units per acre. Such areas are located where land is changing from rural to urban, suitable f urban
densities, nd to be provided with public utilities and services. Housing types range from sing le -f ily to
duplexes to ulti- family dwellings.
*However, nsities may be lower than one dwelling unit per acre in Suburban sidential Areas.
Chapel Hill as part of i Southern Small Area Plan has identified certain areas in th outhern Triangle as
being suitable for densitie of exceeding one (1) unit per acre for areas immedi ly east of U.S. 15 -501 and
densities not exceeding one unit per five (5) acres for areas immediately t of Old Lystra Road.
*Amended 2/1/93
Urban Residential Areas are sim r to Suburban Res' ntial Area in terms of both housing types
and public services availability. However, den ties are high ranging from six (6) to thirteen (13) dwelling
units per acre.
Office - Institutional Areas is a category c sis of establishments which offer an array of
financial, insurance, real estate, legal, medical d busines services. Such areas generally have public
utilities and services available and are locat adjacent to hea i traveled streets.
Future UNC Development i category established for Ian wned by the University of North
Carolina, including Horace W'llia Airport and adjacent parcels. Such ds are contemplated for expansion
of the UNC campus, p:;as ided e Airport is relocated.
Retail Trade are limited in Transition Areas, including existing estab ' hments at Starpoint and
Calvander. Zdustrial m for expansion was projected in Transition Areas.
Li h Areas are singular, consisting of the Chapel Hill Industrial Park on anks Road
and the pr osed site between Eubanks Road and Homestead Road are included in this catego
Disposal Use Areas consist of landfill sites, either existing or future. The existing landfill on E nks
and the proposed site between Eubanks Road and Homestead Road are included in this category.
*Rural Buffer and Conservation
*Amended
4/2/90
2/3/92 (effective 2/24/92)
6/9/14
6/17/14
The basic categories of Rural Buffer and Conservation have been combined in the Joint Planning
Area Land Use Plan to form a single land use classification — Rural Buffer.
The Rural Buffer is defined as being a low- density area consisting of single - family homes situated on
large lots having a minimum size of two (2) acres. The Rural Buffer is further defined as land which, although
adjacent to an Urban or Transition Area, is rural in character and which will remain rural and not require urban
services (public utilities and other Town services). The Rural Buffer is expected to contain low density
residential uses ;a agricultural uses exempt from zoning regulations and low- intensity agricultural
support use: and consists of the following Joint Planning Area Land Use Plan categories: Rural Residential
and Agricultural; Public- Private Open Space; Resource Conservation; New Hope Creek Corridor Open
Space; Extractive Use; and the overlay category designated University Lake Watershed Area.
Rura nd Aciricultural Areas are low- density areas consisting of s' or'
situated on large lots with a minimu acres, exce t c uster subd'v's'on and then
adhering to a density limit of 1 unit for ever per divisions, reducing parcels to 1
acre in area, are allowed- s ablished density limits for the entire subdivisio d. In
:l
*Amended
4/2/90
6/9/14
The University Lake Watershed Area i de lands which drain into the University Lake
Reservoir. Density within this area is limited t w unit for every 5 acres with a required
minimum lot size of 2 acres. Based on eferred waters rotections strategy of land use
controls as recommended by Ca resser and McKee in the sit Lake Watershed Study,
only low- density residentia es are permitted. Cluster subdivisions wi sizes of not less than
one (1) acre are als owed so long as density limits are adhered to. There is Ilowance for the
creation of 5 1 t a density of 1 unit per 2 acres for property legally in existence as ctober 2,
1989. tonal lots shall be allowed consistent with the 1 unit per 5 acre density as detaile
*Rural Residential and Agricultural
*Amended
4/2/90
6/9/14
6/17/14
The Rural Residential category is a low- density area consisting of single - family homes
situated on large lots with a minimum lot size of two acres, except when part of a cluster subdivision
and then adhering to a density limit of 1 unit for every 2 acres of property. Cluster subdivisions,
reducing parcels to 1 acre in area, are allowed as long as established density limits are maintained.
The Rural Residential designation is identical to the Rural Buffer category contained in the current
Orange County Land Use Plan. The Rural Buffer category is described in the Plan as land adjacent
to an Urban or Transition area which is rural in character and which should remain rural; contain
very low- density residential uses agricultural uses exempt from zoning regulations
intensity agricultural support uses; and not require urban services (water and sewer) during the
Plan period.
Agricultural areas existing within Transition Areas are expected to change from rural to
urban uses as Chapel Hill and Carrboro continue to grow and as public water and sewer services
are expanded. Agricultural areas are located principally in University Lake Watershed but are also
prominent along the northern perimeter of the Planning Area boundary. As development occurs in
these areas, it will be of very low- density in nature and will generally consist of farm dwelling and
outbuildings in support of agricultural operations.
To the north of Chapel Hill and Carrboro in the New Hope Creek drainage basin, low- density
residential development has taken place along Whitfield Road, Sunrise Road and Erwin Road.
Residential developments similar to Sedgefield, Stoneridge, Oak Hills, Birchwood Lake Estates and
Falls of the New Hope are expected to continue, relying on wells and septic tanks for water supply
and sewer disposal.
To the west of Carrboro, Rural Residential development is also expected in University Lake
Watershed. However, only low- density residential and agricultural uses are anticipated.
Development will continue to rely on wells and septic tanks for water supply and sewage disposal.
83
7
Excerpted Pages of Joint Planning Agreement
agreem However, it will only be changed as the Joint Planning Are d Use
Map is amended if the endments change the 1 on of either the CJ or the
CJJDA.
F. Joint Courtesy Revea. A portion of the northern Rura fer Area bounded on
I -40 and shown as such on Exhibit A.
G. Rural Buffer. That portion of the Joint Planning Area designated on the Joint Planning
Area Land Use Map as such and designated in the Joint Planning Area Land Use Plan
as Rural Residential and Agricultural, Public /Private Open Space, Resource
Conservation, Extractive /Disposal Use and the overlay district designated University
Lake Watershed Area. This area is further defined as being a low- density area
consisting of single - family homes situated on large lots having a minimum size of two
(2) acres, unless the cluster subdivision option is used and density limits are
maintained. The Rural Buffer is further defined as land which, although adjacent to an
Urban or Transition area, is rural in character and which will remain rural, contain
low- density residential uses, agricultural uses exempt from zoning regulations, and
low- intensity agricultural support uses and not require urban services (public utilities
and other town services). Agricultural support uses are those designated in the
County's Unified Development Ordinance as allowable in the RB (Rural Buffer)
general use zoning district or those permitted through the ASE -CZ conditional zoning
district.
H. Transition Area. That portion of the Joint Planning Area designated on the Joint
Planning Area Land Use Map as such. This area is further defined as being in
to the extent they can legally do so, Orange County, its Board of
Commissioners, i dvisory boards, its staff and all ;members of i oards and staffs, in
their official and individual ca 'ties, from any anaims, actions, proceedings,
expenses, damages or liabilities, includ' a Heys' fees and courts costs, resulting from
the towns' administration e ordinances specified in -ons 2.1(C).
C. Orange CounA,-<all notify the respective towns and the towns shall Orange County
as practicable thereafter of any such claim, action or proceeding.
Section 2.6 Text and Map Amendments
A. Proposed amendments to the Joint Planning Area Land Use Plan and /or the Joint Planning
Area Land Use Map may be initiated by (i) Orange County or (ii) the Towns or any other
party by filing a request for such an amendment with Orange County. Any petition or
request to amend the Joint Planning Area Land Use Plan received by the County shall be
referred to the respective Towns. No such amendment may become effective until after it
has been adopted by Orange County, Chapel Hill and Carrboro following a joint public
hearing by all three governing bodies.
B. Except as provided herein, proposed amendments to the text of the Orange County Zening
and r„i.divisie Ofdi Tees Unified Development Ordinance' that are applicable within
the Rural Buffer as well as proposed changes in zoning district classifications (i.e., zoning
map changes) that affect property within the Rural Buffer shall be initiated and adopted in
accordance with the procedures set forth in those County ordinances. All such proposals
that affect the CHJDA shall be referred to Chapel Hill for review and recommendation,
' Since the County now uses a Unified Development Ordinance, the language in this section should be changed to
reflect the current name of the County's land use regulations.
12
and all such proposed amendments that affect the CJDA shall be referred to Carrboro for
review and recommendation. Orange County may not adopt such proposed amendments
until the respective Towns have made their recommendations, or until the expiration of
thirty (30) days following such referral, whichever occurs first.
In the case of agricultural support uses, both the ASE -CZ conditional zoning districts and
the agricultural support uses added to the RB (Rural Buffer) general use zoning district in
2015, Orange County shall not materially change the text of its Unified Development
Ordinance, as it pertains to the Rural Buffer, unless the amendment is heard at a joint
public hearing and adopted by Orange County, Chapel Hill, and Carrboro. Examples of
material changes, in this case, are adding or deleting uses to /from the Table of Permitted
Uses and /or adding, deleting, or changing the use - specific standards in Article 5 of the
Unified Development Ordinance.2
C. Whenever Chapel Hill proposes to amend the text of its Land Development Ordinance,
and whenever Carrboro proposes to amend the text of its Land Use Ordinance, the
respective towns shall deliver a copy of the full text of the proposed amendment to Orange
County not later than thirty (30) days before the date of the public hearing on any such
amendment. However, with the written consent of the Orange County Manager or his
designate, this thirty (30) day period may be reduced to not less than ten (10) days. Unless
Orange County files with the respective towns a written objection on or before the date of
the public hearing on the proposed ordinance amendment, then adoption of the amendment
2 This text was added to address concerns that Orange County could significantly change its Unified Development
Ordinance after the Towns of Carrboro and Chapel Hill approve amendments to the Joint Planning documents and
those changes would be subject only to a staff -level review by Town staff.
13
Attachment 2 10
Perdita Holtz, Orange County Planning Department, stated that the County prefers that the Town adopt
something that addresses their intent rather than amending the County's UDO language.
A motion was made by Alderman Chaney, seconded by Alderman Seils, that this resolution be
approved.
RESOLUTION AMENDING THE JOINT PLANNING LAND USE PLAN AND JOINT
PLANNING AGREEMENT TO ALLOW FOR THE POSSIBILITY OF LOCATING
APPROPRIATE LOW INTENSITY AGRICULTURAL SUPPORT ENTERPRISES IN THE
RURAL BUFFER LAND USE CLASSIFICATION
WHEREAS, Orange County, the Town of Chapel Hill, and the Town of Carrboro entered into a Joint
Planning Agreement originally dated September 22, 1987 and amended from time to time, and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Joint Planning Agreement, a Joint Planning Land Use Plan was adopted
on October 13, 1986 by all parties to the Joint Planning Agreement, and has since been amended on
several occasions, and
WHEREAS, Orange County initiated amendments to the Orange County Comprehensive Plan and
Unified Development Ordinance in order to adopt a regulatory program referred to as "Agricultural
Support Enterprises Within the Rural Buffer Land Use Classification," a program the County has
been working on since 2001, and
WHEREAS, amendments to the Joint Planning Land Use Plan and Agreement are necessary prior
to Orange County adopting the aforementioned Comprehensive Plan and Unified Development
Ordinance amendments, and
WHEREAS, a joint public hearing regarding the proposed Joint Planning Land Use Plan and
Agreement amendments was held on March 27, 2014, in accordance with the requirements of the Joint
Planning Agreement.
NOW THEREFORE, the Carrboro Board of Aldermen hereby resolves that the Joint
Planning Land Use Plan and Agreement be amended as shown on the attached pages.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Carrboro Board of Aldermen recommends approval of all but
four (i.e. Agricultural Processing Facility, Microbrewery w/Major Events, Winery w/Major Events,
and Assembly Facility Greater than 300 Occupants) of the proposed agricultural support uses
contained in the draft ordinance modifying the Orange County Unified Development Ordinance that
may only be enacted after the amendments to the Joint Planning Land Use Plan and Joint Planning
Agreement have been approved. The Carrboro Board of Aldermen's approval is predicated on the
removal of these uses.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Carrboro Board of Aldermen recommends that the
Agricultural Preservation Board, the County's appointed agricultural advisory board be given the
opportunity to comment on rezoning and land use permits related to ASE in the Rural Buffer.BE IT
FURTHER RESOLVED that the Carrboro Board of Aldermen recommends that reuse of existing farm
Town of Carrboro January 27, 2015
11
buildings, especially those 50 years or older, into new agricultural support enterprises, be encouraged
by including in the draft ordinance provisions a mechanism for reducing or waiving the 100 -foot
property line setback requirements that would otherwise apply to such new enterprises.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Carrboro Board of Aldermen requests that an update on
Agricultural Support Enterprises be provided annually at a joint public meeting of the parties to the
Joint Planning Agreement.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the amendments to the Joint Planning Land use Plan and the Joint
Planning Agreement described above and indicated on the attached pages shall become effective upon
adoption by the governing bodies of Orange County, Chapel Hill, and Carrboro.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Vet Clinics and Hospital Uses are preferred for only large animal
care.
This the 27th day of January, 2015
The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Mayor Lavelle, Alderman Haven - O'Donnell, Alderman Chaney, Alderman Seils, Alderman Gist,
and Alderman Johnson
Nay: Alderman Slade
Town of Carrboro January 27, 2015
12
Attachment A - 4
The Rural Buffer is defined as being a low- density area consisting of single - family homes situated on
large lots having a minimum size of two (2) acres. The Rural Buffer is further defined as land which, although
adjacent to an Urban or Transition Area, is rural in character and which will remain rural and not require urban
services (public utilities and other Town services). The Rural Buffer is expected to contain low density
residential uses, agricultural uses exempt from zoning regulations, and low- intensity agricultural support
uses' and consists of the following Joint Planning Area Land Use Plan categories: Rural
Residential axlAgricultural; Public- Private Open Space; Resource Conservation; New Hope Creek Corridor
Open Space; Extractive Use; and the overlay category designated University Lake Watershed Area.
Rural Residential and Agricultural Areas are low- density areas consisting of single - family homes
situated on large lots with a minimum lot size of two acres, except when part of a cluster subdivision and then
adhering to a density limit of 1 unit for every 2 acres of property. Cluster subdivisions, reducing parcels to at
least 1 acre in area, are allowed so long as density limits for the entire subdivision are maintained. In that
respect, Rural Residential Areas are identical to the definition of the Rural Buffer. The area includes property
supporting farming operations, including forestry activities, established in accordance with the provisions of
the North Carolina General Statutes.
Public- Private Open Space Areas include major land areas owned or controlled by public and
private interests in the Rural Buffer. Such holdings as Duke Forest, Camp New Hope, U.S. Government
lands associated with Jordan Lake, the 100 -foot buffer along I -40, and Orange Water and Sewer Authority
lands adjacent to University Lake and the quarry site on N.C. Highway 54 provide open space through
research, educational, forest management, and recreational functions.
Resource Conservation Areas in the Rural Buffer are identical to those in the Transition Areas; i.e.,
floodplains, wetlands along drainage tributaries, and steep slope areas (15% or greater). The areas form the
basis for a parks and open space system (see Strategy Map) which provided the framework within which
other land uses are situated.
New Hone Creek Corridor Onen Space Areas include some of the Resource Protection Areas and
a portion of the Public /Private Open Space Areas which were designated as significant and worthy of
protection according to the New Hope Corridor Open Space Master Plan completed in April of 1991. (See
Master Plan Map following Strategy Maps). The areas are part of a system of open space in Durham and
Orange Counties along New Hope Creek and its tributaries between Eno River State Park and U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers land north and south of Jordan Lake. This category is made up of critical environmental
areas such as steam beds, floodplains, steep slopes, and larger tracts of historic, educational, or recreational
value.
Extractive Use Areas encompass mining and quarry operations. Only one such site exists in the
Rural Buffer, the American Stone Company quarry on N.C. Highway 54 west of Carrboro.
Retail Trade Areas in the Rural Buffer include low intensity neighborhood centers which serve the
immediate area and generate low traffic volumes. Only one such area is designated in the Rural Buffer —
Blackwood station on N.C. Highway 86.
The amendments necessary for Agricultural Support uses are shown in italic and underlined text.
13
Attachment A - 5
PAGE 83 — JPA LAND USE PLAN
Text above the section proposed for amendment has been removed.
*Rural Residential and Agricultural4
*Amended
4/2/90
The Rural Residential category is a low- density area consisting of single - family
homes situated on large lots with a minimum lot size of two acres, except when part of a
cluster subdivision and then adhering to a density limit of 1 unit for every 2 acres of
property.
The amendments necessary for Agricultural Support uses are shown in italic and underlined text.
14
Attachment A - 6
PAGE 84 — JPA LAND USE PLAN
Cluster subdivisions, reducing parcels to at least 1 acre in area, are allowed to as long as
density limits for the entire subdivision are maintained. The Rural Residential designation is
identical to the Rural Buffer category contained in the current Orange County Land Use Plan.
The Rural Buffer category is described in the Plan as land adjacent to an Urban or Transition
area which is rural in character and which should remain rural; contain very low- density
residential uses, agricultural uses exempt from zoning regulations, and low- intensity
agricultural support uses; and not require urban services (water and sewer) during the Plan
period.
Agricultural areas existing within Transition Areas are expected to change from rural
to urban uses as Chapel Hill and Carrboro continue to grow and as public water and sewer
services are expanded. Agricultural areas are located principally in University Lake
Watershed but are also prominent along the northern perimeter of the Planning Area
boundary. As development occurs in these areas, it will be of very low- density in nature and
will generally consist of farm dwelling and outbuildings in support of agricultural operations.
To the north of Chapel Hill and Carrboro in the New Hope Creek drainage basin, low -
density residential development has taken place along Whitfield Road, Sunrise Road and
Erwin Road. Residential developments similar to Sedgefield, Stoneridge, Oak Hills,
Birchwood Lake Estates and Falls of the New Hope are expected to continue, relying on
wells and septic tanks for water supply and sewer disposal.
To the west of Carrboro, Rural Residential development is also expected in
University Lake Watershed. However, only low- density residential and agricultural uses are
anticipated. Development will continue to rely on wells and septic tanks for water supply
and sewage disposal.
The remaining area designated for Rural Residential and Agricultural development is
the Southern Triangle area in the extreme southeastern portion of the County. The area
drains to the southeast toward Jordan Lake and is beyond the ridge line of the Morgan
Creek basin, an area which can be served by gravity sewer lines. The Southern Triangle is
also characterized by environmental constraints such as steep slopes, flood plains and soils
with poor stability, so low- density development is projected.
There are approximately 9,260 acres of land designated for Rural Residential and
Agricultural_purposes in the Land Use Plan. If developed at an average density of one
dwelling unit per two acres with 15% of the area subtracted out for streets and roads, the
holding capacity of the area in terms of dwellings is 3,935. If multiplied by the 1980 Census
figure for population per household (2.6), the estimated population would be 10,231.
Text below the section proposed for amendment has been removed.
The
amendment
s necessary
for
Agricultural
Support
uses are
shown in
italic and
underline
d text.
15
Attachment A - 7
Page 3 of Joint Planning Agreement
agreement. However, it will only be changed as the Joint Planning Area Land Use
Map is amended if the Map amendments change the location of either the CJDA or the
CHJDA.
F. Joint Courtesy Review Area. A portion of the northern Rural Buffer Area bounded on
the east by I -40 and shown as such on Exhibit A.
G. Rural Buffer. That portion of the Joint Planning Area designated on the Joint Planning
Area Land Use Map as such and designated in the Joint Planning Area Land Use Plan
as Rural Residential and Agricultural, Public /Private Open Space, Resource
Conservation, Extractive /Disposal Use and the overlay district designated University
Lake Watershed Area. This area is further defined as being a low - density area
consisting of single- family homes situated on large lots having a minimum size of two
(2) acres, unless the cluster subdivision option is used and density limits are
Urban or Transition area, is rural in character and which will remain rural, contain
low- density residential uses, agricultural uses exempt from zoning regulations, and
low - intensity agricultural support uses and not require urban services (public utilities
and other town services). Agricultural support uses are those designated in the
County's Unified Development ordinance as allowable in the RB (Rural Buffer)
er)
general use zoning district or those permitted through the ASE -CZ conditional zoning
district.
H. Transition Area. That portion of the Joint Planning Area designated on the Joint
Planning Area Land Use Map as such. This area is further defined as being in
16
Attachment A - 8
C. Orange County shall notify the respective towns and the towns shall notify Orange County
as soon as practicable thereafter of any such claim, action or proceeding.
Section 2.6 Text and Map Amendments
A. Proposed amendments to the Joint Planning Area Land Use Plan and /or the Joint Planning
Area Land Use Map may be initiated by (i) Orange County or (ii) the Towns or any other
party by filing a request for such an amendment with Orange County. Any petition or
request to amend the Joint Planning Area Land Use Plan received by the County shall be
referred to the respective Towns. No such amendment may become effective until after it
has been adopted by Orange County, Chapel Hill and Carrboro following a joint public
hearing by all three governing bodies.
13. Except as provided herein, proposed amendments to the text of the Orange County Zoning
and Subdivision Ordinanees Unified Development Ordinance3 that are applicable within
the Rural Buffer as well as proposed changes in zoning district classifications (i.e., zoning
map changes) that affect property within the Rural Buffer shall be initiated and adopted in
accordance with the procedures set forth in those County ordinances. All such proposals
that affect the CHJDA shall be referred to Chapel Hill for review and recommendation,
and all such proposed amendments that affect the CJDA shall be referred to Carrboro for
review and recommendation. Orange County may not adopt such proposed amendments
until the respective Towns have made their recommendations, or until the expiration of
thirty (30) days following such referral, whichever occurs first.
In the case of y&icultural support uses, both the ASE -CZ conditional zoning districts and
the agricultural support uses added to the RB LRural Burr) general use zoning district in
3 Since the County now uses a Unified Development Ordinance, the language in this section should be changed to
reflect the current name of the County's land use regulations.
17
Attachment A - 9
2014, Orange County shall not materially chancre the text of its Unified Development
Ordinance, as it pertains to the Rural Buffer, unless the amendment is heard at a joint
public hearing and adopted by Orange County, Chapel Hill, and Carrboro. Examples of
material changes, in this case, are adding or deleting uses to / from the Table of Permitted
Uses and /or adding, deleting, or changing the use - specific standards in Article S of the
Unified Development Ordinance. i
C. Whenever Chapel Hill proposes to amend the text of its Land Development Ordinance,
and whenever Carrboro proposes to amend the text of its Land Use Ordinance, the
respective towns shall deliver a copy of the full text of the proposed amendment to Orange
County not later than thirty (30) days before the date of the public hearing on any such
amendment. However, with the written consent of the Orange County Manager or his
designate, this thirty (30) day period maybe reduced to not less than ten (10) days. Unless
Orange County files with the respective towns a written objection on or before the date of
the public hearing on the proposed ordinance amendment, then adoption of the
amendment by the respective town shall automatically effect a corresponding amendment
to the applicable ordinance adopted by reference by Orange County as provided in Section
2.1 C. Any such objection shall be based on a determination by Orange County that the
proposed amendment is inconsistent with the adopted Joint Planning Area Land Use Plan.
If a town adopts an amendment despite Orange County's objection, then it shall refer such
amendment to Orange County with a request that the County make corresponding changes
as expeditiously as reasonably possible so that the town may continue to enforce within its
4 This text is proposed to be added to address concerns that Orange County could significantly change its Unified
Development Ordinance after the Towns of Carrboro and Chapel Hill approve amendments to the Joint Planning
documents and those changes would be subject only to a staff -level review by Town staff.
W
MOTION WAS MADE BY ALDERMAN SLADE SECONDED BY ALDERMAN HAVEN -
O'DONNELL TO HAVE COUNTY STAFF 1) ADD LANGUAGE TO THE STANDARDS SECTION
FOR "WINERY WITH MINOR EVENTS" AND "MICROBREWERY WITH MINOR EVENTS"
SIMILAR TO LANGUAGE WHICH ALREADY EXISTS FOR "MICROBREWERY PRODUCTION
ONLY" WHICH ENSURES THEY ARE LIMITED TO BEING LOCATED ONLY ON BONA FIDE
FARMS AND 2) FOR COUNTY STAFF TO ADD LANGUAGE TO THE STANDARDS SECTION
FOR "COLD STORAGE FACILITY" AND "FEED MILL" SIMILAR TO LANGUAGE THAT
ALREADY EXISTS FOR "AGRICULTURAL PROCESSING FACILITY, COMMUNITY" WHICH
CONDITIONS, WHEN IN THE RURAL BUFFER, THAT THE USE IS FOR LOCAL
COOPERATIVE FARM PARTNERS ONLY. THE MOTION FAILED BY THE FOLLOWING
VOTE: AYE: HAVEN- O'DONNELL AND SLADE, NAY: SEILS, CHANEY, JOHNSON, LAVELLE,
GIST
PRESENTATION FROM THE NC METRO MAYORS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND
BOARD DISCUSSION OF LEGISLATIVE ISSUES FOR THE 2015 SESSION OF THE NORTH
CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY
The purpose of this item was to hear a presentation from Julie White, the Executive Director of the NC
Metro Mayors Coalition and to request that the Board of Aldermen discuss legislative issues to present
to our local delegation at the breakfast. The delegation may be able to pursue some of the issues
presented during the upcoming session of the NC General Assembly.
Julie White, Executive Director of the NC Metro Mayors Coalition, presented the legislative goals of the
Coalition to the Board.
Alderman Slade asked for a response from Rep. Price regarding the Trans - Pacific Partnership resolution
passed by the Board. He also asked for the attorney to check on the housing code proposed legislation
from last year.
Alderman Chaney asked for affordable housing financing strategies to be discussed along with the
protection of roads from damage due to truck routes related to fracking. She also requested that the
Town support historic tax credits and low- income tax credits. Alderman Chaney asked that the Board
ask for the delegation's perception on the University System and current changes.
Alderman Gist asked that the Board discuss HB 150 with the delegates.
Mayor Lavelle asked that the Board discuss the proposed bill for religious freedoms and its anti -GLBT
platform. She also asked that the delegation take a look at the way vacancies on the Court of Appeals
are filled.
Alderman Seils asked that municipal rental inspection and registration programs be discussed along with
strengthening of gun control in parks and schools. He asked that the Charter amendment to add sexual
orientation, gender identity and gender expression to the list of bases upon which the Board may
prohibit housing discrimination be pursued again during this session.
DISCUSSION ON USE OF TOWN OWNED PROPERTY LOCATED 110 EAST MAIN
Town of Carrboro January 27, 2015
19
I, Amy T. Harvey, Acting Town Clerk of the Town of Chapel Hill, North
Carolina, hereby certify that the attached is a true and correct copy of (2015 -
03-09/R-4) adopted by the Chapel Hill Town Council on March 9, 2015.
This the 10th day of March, 2015.
Amy T. Harvey
Acting Town Clerk
(Ir
RA
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION APPROVING AMENDING THE JOINT PLANNING LAND USE
PLAN AND JOINT PLANNING AGREEMENT MODIFYING LANGUAGE TO
ENSURE AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITIES ARE ALLOWED THROUGHOUT THE
RURAL BUFFER (2015- 03- 09/R -4)
WHEREAS, Orange County, the Town of Chapel Hill, and the Town of Carrboro have engaged
in a cooperative planning effort for the area known as the Rural Buffer as detailed within a Joint
Planning Land Use Plan (hereafter `the Plan'), adopted October 13, 1986, and amended from
time to time; and
WHEREAS, the administration of this Joint Planning Land Use Plan is laid out within the Joint
Planning Agreement (hereafter `Agreement'), originally adopted on September 22, 1987, and
amended from time to time; and
WHEREAS, Orange County initiated amendments to the Plan and Agreement seeking to ensure
agricultural activities are allowed throughout the area; and
WHEREAS, these amendments to the Plan and Agreement are necessary to ensure consistency
with the County's existing land use management program; and
WHEREAS, a joint public hearing regarding the proposed Joint Planning Land Use Plan and
Agreement amendments was held on November 19, 2014 and March 27, 2014, in accordance
with the requirements of the Joint Planning Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Town Council hereby resolves that the Joint Planning Land Use Plan
and Agreement be amended as shown on the attached pages labled Attachment A -4 through A -9.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town Council recommends approval of all but four (i.e.,
Agricultural Processing Facility, Microbrewery with Major Events, Winery with Major Events,
and Assembly Facility Greater than 300 Occupants) of the proposed agricultural support uses
contained in the draft ordinance modifying the Orange County Unified Development Ordinance
that may only be enacted after the amendments to the Joint Planning Land Use Plan and Joint
Planning Agreement have been approved. The Town Council's approval is predicated on the
removal of these uses.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town Council recommends that the Agricultural
Preservation Board, the County's appointed agricultural advisory board, be given the opportunity
to comment on rezoning and land use permits related to Agricultural Support Enterprises (ASE)
in the Rural Buffer.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town Council recommends that reuse of existing farm
buildings, especially those 50 years or older, into new agricultural support enterprises be
encouraged by including in the draft ordinance provisions a mechanism for reducing or waiving
21
the 100 -foot property line setback requirements that would otherwise apply to such new
enterprises.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town Council requests that an update on Agricultural
Support Enterprises be provided annually at a joint public meeting of the parties to the Joint
Planning Agreement.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Vet Clinics and Hospital Uses are preferred for only large
animal care.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the amendments to the Joint Planning Land Use Plan and
the Joint Planning Agreement described above and indicated on the attached pages shall become
effective upon adoption by the governing bodies of Orange County, Chapel Hill, and Carrboro.
This the 91h day of March, 2015.
22
Attachment A - 4
The Rural Buffer is defined as being a low- density area consisting of single - family homes situated on
large lots having a minimum size of two (2) acres. The Rural Buffer is further defined as land which, although
adjacent to an Urban or Transition Area, is rural in character and which will remain rural and not require urban
services (public utilities and other Town services). The Rural Buffer is expected to contain low density
residential uses, agricultural uses exempt from zoning regulations, and low - intensity agricultural support
uses' and consists of the following Joint Planning Area Land Use Plan categories: Rural
Residential adAgricultural; Public- Private Open Space; Resource Conservation; New Hope Creek Corridor
Open Space; Extractive Use; and the overlay category designated University Lake Watershed Area.
Rural Residential and Aqricultural Areas are low- density areas consisting of single - family homes
situated on large lots with a minimum lot size of two acres, except when part of a cluster subdivision and then
adhering to a density limit of 1 unit for every 2 acres of property. Cluster subdivisions, reducing parcels to at
least 1 acre in area, are allowed so long as density limits for the entire subdivision are maintained. In that
respect, Rural Residential Areas are identical to the definition of the Rural Buffer. The area includes property
supporting farming operations, including forestry activities, established in accordance with the provisions of
the North Carolina General Statutes.
Public- Private Open Space Areas include major land areas owned or controlled by public and
private interests in the Rural Buffer. Such holdings as Duke Forest, Camp New Hope, U.S. Government
lands associated with Jordan Lake, the 100 -foot buffer along 1 -40, and Orange Water and Sewer Authority
lands adjacent to University Lake and the quarry site on N.C. Highway 54 provide open space through
research, educational, forest management, and recreational functions.
Resource Conservation Areas in the Rural Buffer are identical to those in the Transition Areas; i.e.,
floodplains, wetlands along drainage tributaries, and steep slope areas (15% or greater). The areas form the
basis for a parks and open space system (see Strategy Map) which provided the framework within which
other land uses are situated.
New Hone Creek Corridor Onen Space Areas include some of the Resource Protection Areas and
a portion of the Public /Private Open Space Areas which were designated as significant and worthy of
protection according to the New Hope Corridor Open Space Master Plan completed in April of 1991. (See
Master Plan Map following Strategy Maps). The areas are part of a system of open space in Durham and
Orange Counties along New Hope Creek and its tributaries between Eno River State Park and U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers land north and south of Jordan Lake. This category is made up of critical environmental
areas such as steam beds, floodplains, steep slopes, and larger tracts of historic, educational, or recreational
value.
Extractive Use Areas encompass mining and quarry operations. Only one such site exists in the
Rural Buffer, the American Stone Company quarry on N.C. Highway 54 west of Carrboro.
Retail Trade Areas in the Rural Buffer include low intensity neighborhood centers which serve the
immediate area and generate low traffic volumes. Only one such area is designated in the Rural Buffer —
Blackwood station on N.C. Highway 86.
1 The amendments necessary for Agricultural Support uses are shown in italic and underlined text.
23
Attachment A - 5
PAGE 83 — JPA LAND USE PLAN
Text above the section proposed for amendment has been removed.
*Rural Residential and Agricultural4
*Amended
4/2/90
The Rural Residential category is a low- density area consisting of single - family
homes situated on large lots with a minimum lot size of two acres, except when part of a
cluster subdivision and then adhering to a density limit of 1 unit for every 2 acres of
property.
The amendments necessary for Agricultural Support uses are shown in italic and underlined text.
R
Attachment A - 6
PAGE 84 — JPA LAND USE PLAN
Cluster subdivisions, reducing parcels to at least 1 acre in area, are allowed to as long as
density limits for the entire subdivision are maintained. The Rural Residential designation is
identical to the Rural Buffer category contained in the current Orange County Land Use Plan.
The Rural Buffer category is described in the Plan as land adjacent to an Urban or Transition
area which is rural in character and which should remain rural; contain very low- density
residential uses, agricultural uses exempt from zoning regulations, and low - intensity
agricultural support uses; and not require urban services (water and sewer) during the Plan
period.
Agricultural areas existing within Transition Areas are expected to change from rural
to urban uses as Chapel Hill and Carrboro continue to grow and as public water and sewer
services are expanded. Agricultural areas are located principally in University Lake
Watershed but are also prominent along the northern perimeter of the Planning Area
boundary. As development occurs in these areas, it will be of very low- density in nature and
will generally consist of farm dwelling and outbuildings in support of agricultural operations.
To the north of Chapel Hill and Carrboro in the New Hope Creek drainage basin, low -
density residential development has taken place along Whitfield Road, Sunrise Road and
Erwin Road. Residential developments similar to Sedgefield, Stoneridge, Oak Hills,
Birchwood Lake Estates and Falls of the New Hope are expected to continue, relying on
wells and septic tanks for water supply and sewer disposal.
To the west of Carrboro, Rural Residential development is also expected in
University Lake Watershed. However, only low- density residential and agricultural uses are
anticipated. Development will continue to rely on wells and septic tanks for water supply
and sewage disposal.
The remaining area designated for Rural Residential and Agricultural development is
the Southern Triangle area in the extreme southeastern portion of the County. The area
drains to the southeast toward Jordan Lake and is beyond the ridge line of the Morgan
Creek basin, an area which can be served by gravity sewer lines. The Southern Triangle is
also characterized by environmental constraints such as steep slopes, flood plains and soils
with poor stability, so low- density development is projected.
There are approximately 9,260 acres of land designated for Rural Residential and
Agricultural_purposes in the Land Use Plan. If developed at an average density of one
dwelling unit per two acres with 15% of the area subtracted out for streets and roads, the
holding capacity of the area in terms of dwellings is 3,935. If multiplied by the 1980 Census
figure for population per household (2.6), the estimated population would be 10,231.
Text below the section proposed for amendment has been removed.
The
amendment
s necessary
for
Agricultural
Support
uses are
shown in
italic and
underline
d text.
25
Attachment A - 7
Page 3 of Joint Planning Agreement
agreement. However, it will only be changed as the Joint Planning Area Land Use
Map is amended if the Map amendments change the location of either the CJDA or the
CHJDA.
F. Joint Courtesy Review Area. A portion of the northern Rural Buffer Area bounded on
the east by I -40 and shown as such on Exhibit A.
G. Rural Buffer. That portion of the Joint Planning Area designated on the Joint Planning
Area Land Use Map as such and designated in the Joint Planning Area Land Use Plan
as Rural Residential and Agricultural, Public /Private Open Space, Resource
Conservation, Extractive /Disposal Use and the overlay district designated University
Lake Watershed Area. This area is further defined as being a low - density area
consisting of single - family homes situated on large lots having a minimum size of two
(2) acres, unless the cluster subdivision option is used and density limits are
Urban or Transition area, is rural in character and which will remain rural, contain
low- density residential uses, agricultural uses exempt from zoning regulations, and
low - intensity agricultural support arses and not require urban services (public utilities
and other town services). Agricultural support uses are those designated in the
County's Unified Development ordinance as allowable in the RB (Rural Bu, ffer)
general use zoning district or those permitted through the ASE -CZ conditional zoning
district.
H. Transition Area. That portion of the Joint Planning Area designated on the Joint
Planning Area Land Use Map as such. This area is further defined as being in
26
Attachment A - 8
C. Orange County shall notify the respective towns and the towns shall notify Orange County
as soon as practicable thereafter of any such claim, action or proceeding.
Section 2.6 Text and Map Amendments
A. Proposed amendments to the Joint Planning Area Land Use Plan and /or the Joint Planning
Area Land Use Map may be initiated by (i) Orange County or (ii) the Towns or any other
party by filing a request for such an amendment with Orange County. Any petition or
request to amend the Joint Planning Area Land Use Plan received by the County shall be
referred to the respective Towns. No such amendment may become effective until after it
has been adopted by Orange County, Chapel Hill and Carrboro following a joint public
hearing by all three governing bodies.
13. Except as provided herein, proposed amendments to the text of the Orange County Zoning
and Subdivision Ordinanees Unified Development Ordinance3 that are applicable within
the Rural Buffer as well as proposed changes in zoning district classifications (i.e., zoning
map changes) that affect property within the Rural Buffer shall be initiated and adopted in
accordance with the procedures set forth in those County ordinances. All such proposals
that affect the CHJDA shall be referred to Chapel Hill for review and recommendation,
and all such proposed amendments that affect the CJDA shall be referred to Carrboro for
review and recommendation. Orange County may not adopt such proposed amendments
until the respective Towns have made their recommendations, or until the expiration of
thirty (30) days following such referral, whichever occurs first.
In the case of y&icultural support uses, both the ASE -CZ conditional zoning districts and
the agricultural support uses added to the RB LRural Burr) general use zoning district in
3 Since the County now uses a Unified Development Ordinance, the language in this section should be changed to
reflect the current name of the County's land use regulations.
27
Attachment A - 9
2014, Orange County shall not materially change the text of its Unified Develo merit
Ordinance, as it pertains to the Rural Buffer, unless the amendment is heard at a joint
public hearing and adopted by Orange County, Chapel Hill, and Carrboro. Examples of
material changes, in this case, are adding or deleting uses to /from the Table of Permitted
Uses and /or adding, deleting, or changing the use - specific standards in Article S of the
Unified Development Ordinance. i
C. Whenever Chapel Hill proposes to amend the text of its Land Development Ordinance,
and whenever Carrboro proposes to amend the text of its Land Use Ordinance, the
respective towns shall deliver a copy of the full text of the proposed amendment to Orange
County not later than thirty (30) days before the date of the public hearing on any such
amendment. However, with the written consent of the Orange County Manager or his
designate, this thirty (30) day period maybe reduced to not less than ten (10) days. Unless
Orange County files with the respective towns a written objection on or before the date of
the public hearing on the proposed ordinance amendment, then adoption of the
amendment by the respective town shall automatically effect a corresponding amendment
to the applicable ordinance adopted by reference by Orange County as provided in Section
2.1 C. Any such objection shall be based on a determination by Orange County that the
proposed amendment is inconsistent with the adopted Joint Planning Area Land Use Plan.
If a town adopts an amendment despite Orange County's objection, then it shall refer such
amendment to Orange County with a request that the County make corresponding changes
as expeditiously as reasonably possible so that the town may continue to enforce within its
4 This text is proposed to be added to address concerns that Orange County could significantly change its Unified
Development Ordinance after the Towns of Carrboro and Chapel Hill approve amendments to the Joint Planning
documents and those changes would be subject only to a staff -level review by Town staff.
Attachment 3 28
Excerpted Pages of Joint Planning Land Use Plan
*Suburban Residential Areas are designated for housing densities ranging from one (1) to !13K5)
dw ng units per acre. Such areas are located where land is changing from ZLystra an, suitable r urban
densiti and to be provided with public utilities and services. Housing type single- ily to
duplexes multi - family dwellings.
* Howeve densities may be lower than one dwelling unit per acre in esidential Areas.
Chapel Hill as part o s Southern Small Area Plan has identified certain areuthern Triangle as
being suitable for densi not exceeding one (1) unit per acre for areas imst of U.S. 15 -501 and
densities not exceeding on 1) unit per five (5) acres for areas immediately Lystra Road.
*Amended 2/1/93
Urban Residential Areas are si N ar to Suburban Resi ntial Area in terms of both housing types
and public services availability. However, d ities are hig , ranging from six (6) to thirteen (13) dwelling
units per acre.
Office - Institutional Areas is a category si ng of establishments which offer an array of
financial, insurance, real estate, legal, medical nd busin services. Such areas generally have public
utilities and services available and are loca adjacent to he 'ly traveled streets.
Future UNC Development i a category established for Ian owned by the University of North
Carolina, including Horace Willia Airport and adjacent parcels. Such nds are contemplated for expansion
of the UNC campus, provided e Airport is relocated.
Retail Trade Ar4bs are limited in Transition Areas, including existing estdbl,sZents at Starpoint and
Calvander. Modest om for expansion was projected in Transition Areas.
Liaht4fidustrial Areas are singular, consisting of the Chapel Hill Industrial Park on banks Road
and the pr osed site between Eubanks Road and Homestead Road are included in this catego
Disposal Use Areas consist of landfill sites, either existing or future. The existing landfill on EbOanks
and the proposed site between Eubanks Road and Homestead Road are included in this category.
*Rural Buffer and Conservation
*Amended
4/2/90
2/3/92 (effective 2/24/92)
6/9/14
6/17/14
The basic categories of Rural Buffer and Conservation have been combined in the Joint Planning
Area Land Use Plan to form a single land use classification — Rural Buffer.
The Rural Buffer is defined as being a low- density area consisting of single - family homes situated on
large lots having a minimum size of two (2) acres. The Rural Buffer is further defined as land which, although
adjacent to an Urban or Transition Area, is rural in character and which will remain rural and not require urban
services (public utilities and other Town services). The Rural Buffer is expected to contain low density
residential uses ;,; well agricultural uses exempt from zoning regulations and low- intensity agricultural
support use: and consists of the following Joint Planning Area Land Use Plan categories: Rural Residential
and Agricultural; Public- Private Open Space; Resource Conservation; New Hope Creek Corridor Open
Space; Extractive Use; and the overlay category designated University Lake Watershed Area.
Rura ricultural Areas are low- density areas consisti - amity homes
situated on large lots with a minimum to si ex r of a cluster subdivision and then
adhering to a density limit of 1 unit for ev property. us reducing parcels to 1
acre in area, are alto as established density limits for the entire subdivision are main
:l
29
*Amended
4/2/90
6/9/14
The University Lake Watershed Are lud I lands which drain into the University Lake
Reservoir. Density within this area is limited ing unit for every 5 acres with a required
minimum lot size of 2 acres. Based on referred water d protections strategy of land use
controls as recommended by Ca , resser and McKee in the . versity Lake Watershed Study,
only low- density residential s are permitted. Cluster subdivisions ' lot sizes of not less than
one (1) acre are also wed so long as density limits are adhered to. There n allowance for the
creation of 5 lo a density of 1 unit per 2 acres for property legally in existence October 2,
1989. Ad ' ' nal lots shall be allowed consistent with the 1 unit per 5 acre density as deta'
*Rural Residential and Agricultural
*Amended
4/2/90
6/9/14
6/17/14
The Rural Residential category is a low- density area consisting of single - family homes
situated on large lots with a minimum lot size of two acres, except when part of a cluster subdivision
and then adhering to a density limit of 1 unit for every 2 acres of property. Cluster subdivisions,
reducing parcels to 1 acre in area, are allowed as long as established density limits are maintained.
The Rural Residential designation is identical to the Rural Buffer category contained in the current
Orange County Land Use Plan. The Rural Buffer category is described in the Plan as land adjacent
to an Urban or Transition area which is rural in character and which should remain rural; contain
very low- density residential uses agricultural uses exempt from zoning regulations
intensity agricultural support uses; and not require urban services (water and sewer) during the
Plan period.
Agricultural areas existing within Transition Areas are expected to change from rural to
urban uses as Chapel Hill and Carrboro continue to grow and as public water and sewer services
are expanded. Agricultural areas are located principally in University Lake Watershed but are also
prominent along the northern perimeter of the Planning Area boundary. As development occurs in
these areas, it will be of very low- density in nature and will generally consist of farm dwelling and
outbuildings in support of agricultural operations.
To the north of Chapel Hill and Carrboro in the New Hope Creek drainage basin, low- density
residential development has taken place along Whitfield Road, Sunrise Road and Erwin Road.
Residential developments similar to Sedgefield, Stoneridge, Oak Hills, Birchwood Lake Estates and
Falls of the New Hope are expected to continue, relying on wells and septic tanks for water supply
and sewer disposal.
To the west of Carrboro, Rural Residential development is also expected in University Lake
Watershed. However, only low- density residential and agricultural uses are anticipated.
Development will continue to rely on wells and septic tanks for water supply and sewage disposal.
83
Excerpted Pages of Joint Planning Agreement 30
However, it will only be changed as the Joint Planning Area Land
Map is amended irTht Wap amendments change the locationnof- either the CJDA or the
CJJDA.
F. Joint Courtesy Review A portion of the northern Ru ffer Area bounded on
the east, I40 and shown as such on Exhibit A.
G. Rural Buffer. That portion of the Joint Planning Area designated on the Joint Planning
Area Land Use Map as such and designated in the Joint Planning Area Land Use Plan
as Rural Residential and Agricultural, Public /Private Open Space, Resource
Conservation, Extractive /Disposal Use and the overlay district designated University
Lake Watershed Area. This area is further defined as being a low- density area
consisting of single - family homes situated on large lots having a minimum size of two
(2) acres, unless the cluster subdivision option is used and density limits are
maintained. The Rural Buffer is further defined as land which, although adjacent to an
Urban or Transition area, is rural in character and which will remain rural, contain
low- density residential uses, agricultural uses exempt from zoning regulations, and
low- intensity agricultural support uses and not require urban services (public utilities
and other town services). Agricultural support uses are those designated in the
County's Unified Development Ordinance as allowable in the RB (Rural Buffer)
general use zoning district or those permitted through the ASE -CZ conditional zoning
district.
H. Transition Area. That portion of the Joint Planning Area designated on the Joint
Planning Area Land Use Map as such. This area is further defined as being in
31
to the extent they can legally do so, Orange County, its Board of
Commissioners ,1 dvisory boards, its staff and all members of ' oards and staffs, in
their official and individual ca 'ties, from any and claims, actions, proceedings,
expenses, damages or liabilities, includi a Heys' fees and courts costs, resulting from
the towns' administration o e ordinances specified in ons 2.1(C).
C. Orange Coun y s all notify the respective towns and the towns shall n-bfiXy Orange County
as practicable thereafter of any such claim, action or proceeding.
Section 2.6 Text and Map Amendments
A. Proposed amendments to the Joint Planning Area Land Use Plan and /or the Joint Planning
Area Land Use Map may be initiated by (i) Orange County or (ii) the Towns or any other
party by filing a request for such an amendment with Orange County. Any petition or
request to amend the Joint Planning Area Land Use Plan received by the County shall be
referred to the respective Towns. No such amendment may become effective until after it
has been adopted by Orange County, Chapel Hill and Carrboro following a joint public
hearing by all three governing bodies.
B. Except as provided herein, proposed amendments to the text of the Orange County Zening
Unified Development Ordinance' that are applicable within
the Rural Buffer as well as proposed changes in zoning district classifications (i.e., zoning
map changes) that affect property within the Rural Buffer shall be initiated and adopted in
accordance with the procedures set forth in those County ordinances. All such proposals
that affect the CHJDA shall be referred to Chapel Hill for review and recommendation,
' Since the County now uses a Unified Development Ordinance, the language in this section should be changed to
reflect the current name of the County's land use regulations.
12
32
and all such proposed amendments that affect the CJDA shall be referred to Carrboro for
review and recommendation. Orange County may not adopt such proposed amendments
until the respective Towns have made their recommendations, or until the expiration of
thirty (30) days following such referral, whichever occurs first.
In the case of agricultural support uses, both the ASE -CZ conditional zoning districts and
the agricultural support uses added to the RB (Rural Buffer) general use zoning district in
2015, Orange County shall not materially change the text of its Unified Development
Ordinance, as it pertains to the Rural Buffer, unless the amendment is heard at a joint
public hearing and adopted by Orange County, Chapel Hill, and Carrboro. Examples of
material changes, in this case, are adding or deleting uses to /from the Table of Permitted
Uses and /or adding, deleting, or changing the use - specific standards in Article 5 of the
Unified Development Ordinance.2
C. Whenever Chapel Hill proposes to amend the text of its Land Development Ordinance,
and whenever Carrboro proposes to amend the text of its Land Use Ordinance, the
respective towns shall deliver a copy of the full text of the proposed amendment to Orange
County not later than thirty (30) days before the date of the public hearing on any such
amendment. However, with the written consent of the Orange County Manager or his
designate, this thirty (30) day period may be reduced to not less than ten (10) days. Unless
Orange County files with the respective towns a written objection on or before the date of
the public hearing on the proposed ordinance amendment, then adoption of the amendment
2 This text was added to address concerns that Orange County could significantly change its Unified Development
Ordinance after the Towns of Carrboro and Chapel Hill approve amendments to the Joint Planning documents and
those changes would be subject only to a staff -level review by Town staff.
13
33
Attachment 4
Town Meeting Dates
The proposed Joint Planning Land Use Plan & Agreement Amendments were on the
following Town of Carrboro and Chapel Hill meeting agendas:
Carrboro (http: / /www.ci.carrboro.nc.us /)
June 3, 2014
June 17, 2014
September 9, 2014
October 7, 2014
October 14, 2014
January 13, 2015 (not discussed due to time constraints)
January 27, 2015
Chapel Hill ( http : / /www.ci.chapel- hill.nc.us /)
June 9, 2014
November 10, 2014
January 26, 2015 (no discussion, consent item to continue public hearing)
February 23, 2015 (no discussion, consent item to continue public hearing)
March 9, 2015