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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 10-23-2007-4mORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: October 23, 2007 Action Agenda Item No. ~- - M SUBJECT: Amendments to the Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Ordinance DEPARTMENT: Planning and Inspections PUBIC HEARING: (Y/N) No Erosion Control Division . ATTACHMENT(S): 1. Resolution of Approval 2. Excerpt from Approved July 11, 2007 Planning Board Minutes 3. ~ SE&SC Ordinance with proposed language changes (Under Separate Cover) INFORMATION CONTACT: Craig Benedict 245-2592 Ren Ivins 245-2586 Terry Hackett 245-2588 PURPOSE: To consider approval of proposed amendments to the Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Ordinance presented at the May 21, 2007 Quarterly Public Hearing. BACKGROUND: Orange County has conducted soil erosion and sedimentation control countywide since the original Ordinance was approved in 1975. Since adoption, the ordinance has been revised 13 times. The first 12 were at the request of the State to match changes to the State's model ordinance with the last request being in 1992. The thirteenth revision was made in 2003 and reflects the Commissioner's desire to ban open burning of large woody debris resulting from land clearing activities subject to the Erosion Control Ordinance. Revisions are highlighted in red and underlined. **~* indicate sections of the ordinance that are unchanged. For a full copy of the proposed and amended ordinance, please see the Planning and Inspections Office or the Clerks Office. The current State requested revision is a result of recent changes to the State's model ordinance. Proposed Changes to the Soil Erosion & Sedimentation Control Ordinance (per NCDENR) fall under the following headings: 1. Ground Cover 2. Intent 3. Notice of Activity Initiation 4. Preconstruction Conference 5. Required Revisions 6: Civil Penalty Assessment Factors 7. Notice of Civil Penalty Assessment 8. Hearing 9. Final Decision 10. Appeal of Final Decision 11. Credit of Civil Penalties* 12. Graded Slopes and Fills 13. Financial Responsibility and Ownership 14. Land Disturbing Activity 15. Area Inspection *Note: In the past, civil penalties collected pursuant to the ordinance were credited to the general fund of the local government as non-tax revenue. The amended ordinance will require that penalties collected be credited to the Civil Penalty and Forfeiture Fund (Case law on an air quality delegated program determined that civil penalties assessed by local governments pursuant to a state delegation had to be remitted to the Civil Penalty and Forfeiture Fund for the benefit of the local school boards pursuant to the State Constitution's provision on State penalties, fines, and forfeitures.) Since 1996, Orange County Erosion control has collected approximately $2,000 (all in 1997-98 and from one contractor). This item was presented at the May 21, 2007 Quarterly Public Hearing. No comments were received from the public. There was a Commissioner question for the County Attorney concerning civil penalties and recovery of costs to the County. He responded that fees collected went to the public schools. The Planning Board considered this item on July 11, 2007 and voted unanimously to recommend approval. FINANCIAL IMPACT: None. Existing Erosion control staff is currently implementing and administering the Ordinance. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Administration recommends approval of the proposed amendments to the Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Ordinance. A RESOLUTION APPROVING AMENDMENTS TO THE ORANGE COUNTY SOIL EROSION AND SEDIMENTATION CONTROL ORDINANCE WHEREAS, Orange County adopted a countywide Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Ordinance in 1975; and WHEREAS, the Ordinance has been amended 13 times in the ensuing years: and WHEREAS, all amendments except one have been at the request of the State of North Carolina to match changes to the State's model ordinance; and WHEREAS, recent changes in the State's model ordinance necessitate changes to the Orange Gounty Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Ordinance in the following areas: 1. Ground Cover 2. Intent 3. Notice of Activity Initiation 4. Preconstruction Conference 5. Required Revisions 6. Civil Penalty Assessment Factors 7. Notice of Civil Penalty Assessment 8. Hearing 9. Final Decision 10. Appeal of Final Decision 11. Credit of Civil Penalties 12. Graded Slopes and Fills 13. Financial Responsibility and Ownership 14. Land Disturbing Activity 15. Area Inspection; and WHEREAS, Orange County desires to maintain consistency with the State program; NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Orange County Board of Commissioners approves the amendments to the Orange County Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Ordinance. Upon motion of Commissioner ,seconded by Commissioner , the foregoing resolution was adopted this the day of , 2007. I, Donna S. Baker, Clerk to the Board of Commissioners for the County of Orange, North Carolina, DO HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing is a true copy of so much of the proceedings of said Board at a meeting held on , 2007 as relates in any way to the adoption of the foregoing and that said proceedings are recorded in Minute Book No. of the minutes of said Board. WITNESS my hand and the seal of said County, this day of 2007. Clerk to the Board of Commissioners Approved 8/1/07 4 MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY PLANNING BOARD JULY 11, 2007 REGULAR MEETING MEMBERS PRESENT: Jay Bryan, Chapel Hill Representative (Chair); Brian Crawford, Eno Township At-Large; Craufurd Goodwin, Hillsborough Representative; Joel Knight, Little River Representative; Sam. Lasris, Cedar Grove Township At Large, Bernadette Pelissier, Bingham Township; Renee Price, Hillsborough Township At Large (Vice- Chair), Sandra Johnson Quinn, Eno Township; Jeffrey Schmitt, Cedar Grove Township at Large; MEMBERS ABSENT: Michelle Kempinski, Cedar Grove Township at Large; Brian Dobyns, Cheeks Township Representative (Resigned); Judith Wegner, Bingham Township At-Large, STAFF PRESENT: Craig Benedict, Planning Director; Robert Davis, Current Planning Supervisor; Tom Altieri, Comprehensive Planning Supervisor; Glenn Bowles, Planner II; Donna Davenport, Administrative Assistant II, Perdita Holtz, Michael Harvey, Gene Bell, Jennifer Leaf OTHERS: Steve Yuhasz Agenda Item 1: CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Agenda Item 2: INFORMATIONAL ITEMS a. Next Regular Planning Board Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, August 1, 2007 b. Planning Calendars for July and August c. Comprehensive Plan Update -July 31 Open House and August 7 Public Information Meeting Agenda Item 3: Approval of Minutes June 6, 2007 Bernadette Pelissier: On page 3, line 54 should read, "I have highlighted". Renee Price: On page 6, line 186 should read, "I have a problem" instead of program. Sam Lasris: On page 8, line 291 through 329 didn't make sense. Jay Bryan: It may help if some parts were in quotes. On page 8, line 292 should read "high quality of life". On page 8, line 310 should read "accessible". On page 8, line 316 should read "public accessible". Craufurd Goodwin: I would like to suggest that everyone bring their written changes in with them to save time. Jay Bryan: We need to check with Geoff Gledhill to make sure there will not be a problem. Approval of the minutes. MOTION made by Jeffrey Schmitt. Seconded by Renee Price. VOTE: Unanimous Agenda Item 4: CONSIDERATION OF ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA Agenda Item 5: PUBLIC CHARGE Approved 8/1/07 Jay Bryan: I am okay with it being used for this plan but not being adopted as a broad County wide approach. This is implied to be a County wide approach and I don't agree with that. Michael Harvey: The task force is making a recommendation, whether it is accepted or not, to use REDA in this plan. By adopting this plan, it does not establish the REDA. It still has to go through the normal zoning and land use text process amendments to bring it to fruition. Brian Crawford: I think we want to recommend the SAP but we have reservations about REDA being adopted County wide. I think it is fair to state that in the motion. MOTION made by Renee Price to approve the plan with the understanding that the residents have agreed to the plan and REDA will not be adopted County wide. Brian Crawford seconded. VOTE: (2 opposed (Jeffrey Schmitt, Joel Knight) C. REVISIONS TO THE SOIL EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL ORDINANCE Presenter: Ren Ivies Ren Ivies: Reviewed the abstract. Jay Bryan: You are summarizing the changes are made and giving it to us. These don't fall under our standards. Brian Crawford: Is there any instance when the State ordinances are looser? Ren Ivies: Absolutely. They do not regulate any land disturbance under one acre, we regulate them down to zero. MOTION made by Craufurd Goodwin to accept recommendations made by staff. Sam Lasris seconded VOTE: (Unanimous) d. AMENDMENTS TO THE ORANGE COUNTY STORMWATER ORDNANCE FOR LANDS WITHIN THE NEUSE RIVER BASIN Presenter: Ren Ivies MOTION made by Jeffrey Schmitt: to accept recommendations made by staff on page 139. Sam Lasris seconded. VOTE: (Unanimous) ~ ~ ay B an, Chai Tina L. Owen, Minutes Preparer 5 13 Orange County ~~ ~~e ~,~ ~~ ~~~ ~-~ ~~. ~~ 1~ ~~~ ~~ Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Ordinance September 12, 2006 Orange County SE & SC Ordinance September 12, 2006 TABLE OF CONTENTS: SECTION 1 TTTLE ...............................................................................................................................................2 SECTION 2 PURPOSES ........................................................................................................................................2 Section 2.1 Findings of Fact Relating to Sedimentation and Erosion in University Lake, Cane Creek, and Upper Eno Watersheds ......................................................................................................................... 2 Section 2.2 Objectives of Regulations Applicable to University Lake, Cane Creek, and Upper Eno Watersheds .................................................................................................................................................... 2 SECTION 3 DEFINITIONS ....................................................................................................................................2 SECTION 4 JURISDICTION AND EFFECT ............................................................................................................2 SECTION 5 SCOPE AND EXCLUSIONS (COUNTY WIDE) ...................................................................................2 SECTION 6 GENERAL REQUII2EMENTS FOR AREAS OTHER THAN UNIVERSITY LAKE, CANE CREEK, AND UPPER ENO WATERSHEDS ........................................................................................3 Section 6.1 General Requirements for University Lake, Cane Creek, and Upper Eno Watersheds ........................ 3 SECTION 7 BASIC CONTROL OBJECTTVES .......................................................................................................4 SECTION 8 MANDATORY DESIGN AND PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR LAND-DISTURBING ACTIVITY ......................................................................................................................................... 4 A. Buffer Zone ................................................................................................................................4 B. Graded Slopes and Fills .............................................................................................................4 C. Ground Cover ............................................................................................................................5 D. Design and Performance of Control Measures ..........................................................................5 E. Prior Plan Approval ...................................................................................................................5 Section 8.1 Additional Standards for Land-Disturbing Activity in University Lake, Cane Creek, and Upper Eno Watersheds ................................................................................................................................ 5 SECTION 9 STORMWATER OUTLET PROTECTION ...........................................................................................6 A. Control of Discharge in University Lake, Cane Creek, and Upper Eno Watersheds ................6 B. Control of Velocity ...................................................................................................................:6 C. Standards ...................................................................................................................................6 SECTION 10 BORROW AND WASTE AREAS ........................................................................................................6 SECTION 11 ACCESS AND HAUL ROADS .............................................................................................................7 SECTION 12 OPERATIONS IN LAKES OR OTHER NATURAL WATERCOURSES ................................................. 7 SECTION 13 RESPONSIBILITY FOR INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE ......................................................... 7 SECTION 14 ADDITIONAL MEASURES ................................................................................................................7 SECTION 15 EXISTING UNCOVERED AREAS .......................................................................................................7 SECTION 16 EROSION CONTROL OFFICER ........................................................................................................7 Orange County SE & SC Ordinance September 12, 2006 SECTION 17 PERMITS ..........................................................................................................................................8 SECTION 18 EROSION AND SEDIlVIENTATION CONTROL PLANS .......................................................................8 A. Plan Requirement .......................................................................................................................8 B. Review by the Soil & Water Conservation District ...................................................................8 C. Review and Response to Plans ..................................................................................................8 D. Plan Content ...............................................................................................................................9 E. Plan Amendments ......................................................................................................................9 F. Statement of Ownership and Financial Responsibility ..............................................................9 G. Review of Other Environmental Documents .............................................................................9 H. Consideration of Applicants Past Performance .........................................................................9 I. Erosion Control Plan Available on Site ...................................................................................10 Section 18.1 Erosion Control Standards ........................................................................................................................10 SECTION 19 APPEALS ........................................................................................................................................10 SECTION 20 COMPLIANCE WITH PLAN REQUIItEMENTS ................................................................................11 SECTION 21 INSPECTIONS AND INVESTIGATIONS ............................................................................................11 A. Site Inspections ........................................................................................................................11 B. Authority to Enter Property and Conduct Investigations and Inspections ...............................11 C. Notice of Violation ..................................................................................................................11 D. Power to Require Statements ................................................................................................... l 1 E. Power to Revoke Land Disturbing Permits .............................................................................11 F. Stop Work Orders ....................................................................................................................11 G: Appeal of Stop Work Order ..................................................................................................... l l SECTION 22 PENALTIES .....................................................................................................................................11 A. Civil Penalties ..........................................................................................................................11 B. Criminal Penalties ....................................................................................................................13 SECTION 23 INJtTNCTIVE RELIEF ......................................................................................................................13 SECTION 24 RESTORATION OF AREAS AFFECTED BY FAILURE TO COMPLY ................................................13 SECTION 25 SEVERABILTTY ...............................................................................................................................13 SECTION 26 EFFECTIVE DATE ..........................................................................................................................13 SECTION 27 REVISIONS TO THIS ORDINANCE ..................................................................................................13 ii Orange County SE & SC Ordinance September 12, 2006 WHEREAS, the County Commissioners of Orange County, North Carolina, recognize a great need to control soil erosion and sedimentation and those activities which result in erosion and sedimentation within Orange County and within areas affecting the county; and WHEREAS, the North Carolina General Assembly, through Chapter 392 of the Session Laws of North Carolina, 1973, and other laws, has delegated to local governments the power to control such erosion and sedimentation; and WHEREAS, Orange County Commissioners desire to exercise such power; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the County Commissioners of Orange County, North Carolina. SECTION 1 TITLE SECTION 2 PURPOSES Section 2.1 Findings of Fact Relating to Sedimentation and Erosion in University Lake, Cane Creek, and Upper Eno Watersheds Section 2.2 Objectives of Regulations Applicable to University Lake, Cane Creek, and Upper Eno Watersheds SECTION 3 DEFINITIONS SECTION 4 JURISDICTION AND EFFECT Jurisdiction Effect 2 i~ Orange County SE & SC Ordinance September 12, 2006 SECTION 5 SCOPE AND EXCLUSIONS (COUNTY WIDE) Agriculture Forestland Mining State Jurisdiction SECTION 6 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR AREAS OTHER THAN UNIVERSITY FAKE, CANE CREEK, AND UPPER ENO WATERSHEDS A. Protection of Property B. Erosion Control Plan Requirement Section 6.1 General Requirements for University Lake, Cane Creek, and Upper Eno Watersheds A. Plan Requirement B. Plan Waiver C. Protection of Property 3 Orange County SE & SC Ordinance September 12, 2006 SECTION 7 BASIC CONTROL OBJECTIVES A. Identify Critical Areas B. Plan for Erosion Control C. Limit Exposed Areas D. Limit Time of Exposure E. Control Surface Water F. Control Sedimentation G. Manage Stormwater Runoff H. Open Burning SECTION 8 P/I~ANDATORY DESIGN AND PERFORIVJ[ANCE STANDARDS FOR LAND-DISTURBING ACTIVITY A. Buffer Zone B. Graded Slopes and Fills The angle for graded slopes and fills shall be no greater than the angle which can be retained by vegetative cover or other adequate erosion control devices or structures. In any event, slopes left exposed will, within 21 calendar days of completion of any phase of grading, be planted or otherwise provided with ground cover, devices, or structures sufficient to restrain~erosion. 4 ~a Orange County SE & SC Ordinance September 12, 2006 C. Ground Cover Whenever land-disturbing activity is undertaken on a tract comprising more than 20,000 square feet, if more than 20,000 square feet are uncovered, the person conducting the land-disturbing activity shall install such sedimentation and erosion control devices and practices as are sufficient to retain the sediment generated by the land-disturbing activity within the boundaries of the tract during construction upon and development of said tract, and shall plant or otherwise provide a permanent ground cover sufficient to restrain erosion after completion of construction or development. Except as provided in Section 8 (D) (2) (e) of this ordinance, provisions. for a ground cover sufficient to restrain erosion must be accomplished within 15 working days or 90 calendar days, whichever period is shorter, following completion of construction or development. D. Design and Performance of Control Measures 1. Design Storm 2. Standards for High Quality Waters E. Prior Plan Approval F. The land-disturbing activity shall be conducted in accordance with the approved erosion and sedimentation control plan. Section 8.1 Additional Standards for Land-Disturbing Activity in University Lake, Cane Creek, and Upper Eno Watersheds Channeling Runoff Alteration of Watercourses Limit Land-Disturbing Activity Land Alterations Wetland Protection 5 13 Orange County SE & SC Ordinance September 12, 2006 Maintenance Requirements and Responsibility Artificial Watercourses Buffer Area Requirements Sediment Storage Detention or Retention Areas Open Space Grassed Swales Retention of Runoff from Industrial Sites SECTION 9 STORMWATER OUTLET PROTECTION A. Control of Discharge in University Lake, Cane Creek, and Upper Eno Watersheds B. Control of Velocity C. Standards 1. Acceptable Management Measures 2. Exceptions 3. Permissible Velocities 4. Intent ~~ Orange County SE & SC Ordinance September 12, 2006 Stream banks and channels downstream from any land disturbing activity shall be protected from increased degradation by accelerated erosion caused by increased velocity of runoff from the land disturbing activity. SECTION 10 BORROW AND WASTE AREAS SECTION 11 ACCESS AND HAUL ROADS SECTION 12 OPERATIONS IN LAKES OR OTHER NATURAL WATERCOURSES SECTION 13 RESPONSIBILITY FOR INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE Section 13.1 Off-Site Facilities SECTION 14 ADDITIONAL MEASZTRES SECTION 15 EXISTING UNCOVERED AREAS A. Ezisting Sites B. Notice of Violation C. Plan Requirements D. Reservoir Sites SECTION 16 EROSION CONTROL OFFICER 7 15 Orange County SE & SC Ordinance September 12, 2006 SECTION 17 PERMITS A. When Required B. Erosion Control Plan Approvals C. Land Disturbing Permits D. Expiration of Permits Plan Approvals Land Disturbing Permits Start of Activity E. Fees F. Building Permits G. Revocation of Land Disturbing Permit SECTION 18 EROSION AND SEDIlVIENTATION CONTROL PLANS A. Plan Requirement B. Review by the Soil & Water Conservation District C.. Review and Response to Pians I (v Orange Gounty SE & SC Ordinance September 12, 2006 Deadline for Reviewing Plan Deadline for Responding to Review Comments Components of a Complete Plan Required Revisions After approving a Plan, if the (city), (town), (county), either upon review of such Plan or on inspection of the job site, determines that a significant risk of accelerated erosion or off-site sedimentation exists, the (city), (town), (county) shall require a revised Plan. Pending the preparation of the revised Plan, work shall cease or shall continue under conditions outlined by the appropriate authority. If following commencement of aland-disturbing activity pursuant to an approved Plan, the (city, (town), (county) determines that the Plan is inadequate to meet the requirements of this ordinance, the (city, (town), (county) may require any revision of the Plan that is necessary to comply with this ordinance. D. Plan Content E. Plan Amendments F. Financial Responsibility and Ownership Plans may be disapproved unless accompanied by an authorized statement of financial responsibility and ownership. This statement shall be signed by the person financially responsible for the land-disturbing activity or his attorney-in-fact. The statement shall include the mailing and street addresses of the principal place of business of (1) the person financially responsible, (2) the owner of the land, and (3) any registered agents. If the person financially responsible is not a resident of North Carolina, a North Carolina agent must be designated in the statement for the purpose of receiving notice of compliance or non-compliance with the plan, the Act, this Ordinance or rules or orders adopted or issued pursuant to this Ordinance. If the applicant is not the owner of the land to be disturbed, the draft erosion and sedimentation control plan must include the owner's written consent for the applicant to submit a draft erosion and sedimentation control plan and to conduct the anticipated land-disturbing activity. G. Review of Other Environmental Documents H. Consideration of Applicants Past Performance 9 i7 Orange County SE & SC Ordinance September 12, 2006 I. Erosion Control Plan Available on Site J. Notice of Activity Initiation No person may initiate aland-disturbing activity before notifying the agency that issued the Plan approval of the date that land-disturbing activity will begin. K. Preconstruction Conference When deemed necessary by the approving authority a preconstruction conference may be required. Section 18.1 Erosion Control Standards A. Orange County Standards B. Revisions to the Standards C. Consistency Between Ordinance and Standards SECTION 19 APPEALS A. Appeals Process B. Appeal of Erosion Control Plan Disapproval Based on Applicants Past Performance 10 i~ Orange County SE & SC Ordinance September 12, 2006 SECTION 20 COMPLIANCE WITH PLAN REQUIREMENTS SECTION 21 INSPECTIONS AND INVESTIGATIONS A. Site Inspections B. Authority to Enter Property and Conduct Investigations and Inspections C. Notice of Violation D. Power to Require Statements E. Power to Revoke Land Disturbing Permits F. Stop Work Orders G. Appeal of Stop Work Order H. The landowner, the financially responsible party, or the landowner's or the financially responsible party's agent shall perform an inspection of the area covered by the plan after each phase of the plan has been completed and after establishment of temporary ground cover in accordance with G.S. 113A-57(2). The person who performs the inspection shall maintain and make available a record of the inspection at the site of the land-disturbing activity. The record shall set out any significant deviation from the approved erosion control plan, identify any measures that may be required to correct the deviation, and document the completion of those measures. The record shall be maintained until permanent ground cover has been established as required by the approved erosion and sedimentation control plan. The inspections required by the subsections shall be in addition to inspections required by G.S. 113A-61.1. SECTION 22 PENALTIES A. Civil Penalties 11 ~~ Orange County SE & SC Ordinance September 12, 2006 1. Assessment of Penalties 2. Demand for Payment of Penalty 3. Use of Penalties 4. Civil Penalty Assessment Factors Civil Penalty Assessment Factors. The governing body of the (city), (town), (county) shall determine the amount of the civil penalty based upon the following factors: (i) the degree and extent of harm caused by the violation, (ii) the cost of rectifying the damage, (iii) the amount of money the violator saved by noncompliance, (iv) whether the violation was committed willfully, and (v) the prior record of the violator'in complying of failing to comply with this ordinance. 5. Notice of Civil Penalty Assessment The governing body of the (city), (town), (county) shall provide notice of the civil penalty amount and basis for assessment to the person assessed. The notice of assessment shall be served by any means authorized under G.S. lA-1, Rule 4, and shall direct the violator to either pay the assessment or contest the assessment, within 30 days after receipt of the notice of assessment, by written demand for a hearing. 6. Hearing A hearing on a civil penalty shall be conducted by the (city),(town),(county), (appropriate local agency, within ( )days after the date of the written demand for the hearing. The agency conducting the hearing shall make its recommendation to the governing body of the. (city, (town), (county), within. (~ days after the date of the hearing. 7. Final Decision The governing body shall render its final decision on the civil penalty within (_~ days of the receipt of the recommendation from the agency. 8. Appeal of Final Decision Appeal from the final decision of the governing body shall be to the Superior Court of the county where the violation occurred, or the location of the violator's residence or principal place of business. 9. Credit of Civil Penalties Civil penalties collected pursuant to this ordinance shall be credited to the Civil 12 a Orange County SE & SC Ordinance September 12, 2006 Penalty and Forfeiture Fund. [Note: Case law on an air quality delegated program determined that civil penalties assessed by local governments pursuant to a State delegation had to be remitted to the Civil Penalty and Forfeiture Fund for the benefit of the local school boards pursuant to the State Constitution's provision on State penalties, fines and forfeituxes.] B. Criminal Penalties SECTION 23 INJUNCTIVE RELIEF A. Civil Action in Superior Court B. Order to Cease Violation SECTION 24 RESTORATION OF AREAS AFFECTED BY FAILURE TO COMPLY SECTION 25 SEVERABILITY SECTION 26 EFFECTIVE DATE SECTION 27 REVISIONS TO THIS ORDINANCE ****** Indicate sections of the ordinance that are unchanged 13