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SHAPING ORANGE COUNTY'S FUTURE is a joint project of Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Hillsborough, and Orange County 2003
"Carrboro, Chapel Hill, role. SOCF was designed to learn
r r
Hillsborough, and the about our citizens' hopes, dreams, and
unincorporated areas of Orange concerns regarding the future, and to. II l ti ir
County are at a crucial period in find common ground among all of IIS ( i` •
our history. The next twenty years could these interests in order to imagine and
ir
ill i I
plan a future that truly reflects the
determine whether Orange County will �,
continue to be an attractive, desirable place "values and visions of the people". 1 r
No
to live...We could become like Los Angeles r
with urban sprawl...Another possibility Process
is that the four governing bodies working In December 1996, a group of 30 •
together with each other and the citizenry citizens - known as the Shaping r
could develop an Orange County model as Orange County's Future Task Force •• 1J
•
determined by the values and visions of the — met for the first time to begin work
people... on a comprehensive initiative. Their !With growth, we must make sure that charge was to develop a quality growth '_ Iii,
we better our community, improve our and community-building plan for all p l 111F
relations with each other and, hopefully, lay of Orange County(both its towns I�
1 i the foundation for future generations to lead and rural areas)that addressed aF, I
fulfilling lives... multitude of issues with implications i
At a 1993 conference... sponsored by for the County's current and future
the Assembly of Governments, nationally quality of life.The process called
recognized quality growth planner, Dr.John for a diverse citizen committee to be ms` s
DeGrove said that we could grow smart formed from across the County to
examine local issues through the use of
or we could grow dumb. The way to grow
smart...(is) to develop a comprehensive citizen committees, and to explore the
quality growth strategy." underlying concepts of sustainability
(From the agreement to create SOCF and community-building. ` ���
and incorporate its recommendations into .1- .
Committees ��"'
the Comprehensive Plan) .��
Six topical committees composed `�
Background of Task Force members and citizens Michael Brown
While we have undertaken many were formed to identify and research
studies and plans over the years, key issues and define preliminary Public Outreach
these efforts have infrequently been goals. These committees included: Following approximately 400 hours of
coordinated at the local government economy; education and cultural arts; meetings, community forums, outreach
level to ensure that town and county environment and resource protection; activities, and brainstorming sessions,
plans are consistent. Most plans to human services, health, and safety; land the Task Force has developed a vision
date have focused on land use issues, use and growth; and transportation, and a set of recommendations.
without delving into the deeper quality infrastructure, and services. In
addition, two "umbrella" committees The following summarizes the main
of life, sustainability, and community-
building issues that are directly relevant were created to further develop concepts and ideas of the SOCF process
sustainability and community-building and final report. For more information •
to a comprehensive planning process.
concepts and ideas. please visit:
This is where Shaping Orange www.co.orange.nc.us/shaping/
County's Future (SOCF) plays a key default.htm
INSIDE: Community Involvement 7
Past,Present, and Future 3 Citizen's Roundtable 7
A Shared Set of Values 4 Core Goals 8
Orange County Vision for the Year 2030 5 Quality of Life Goals 9
Sustainability 6 What's Happening Now... 12
Community-Building 6 Definitions 12
1
A Note from the SOCF Task Force Acknowledgements Page
SOCF Task Force Members:
Dear Orange County Citizens, Ellen Ironside,Co-Chair Sao 4 Macon 011is,Co-Chair
-Please read this newspaper insert carefully k Leo Allison
and keep it for reference. A full report is I � *-" i `, William Barrows
f y � . . Kathy Buck
available that includes all the recommen- -d , 1 Carole Crumley
dations the Task Force proposed to the ';t. ( James Foust
governing bodies in our County. A copy (^` _ _.:: Linda Foxworth
to be shared will soon be available in all Kevin Foy
public and school libraries as well as in the i Theresa Grywalski
Planning Departments of Orange County, Norm Gustaveson
Hillsborough,Mebane,Carrboro,and '' ...-:-.7---'7. Warren Jones
Chapel Hill. In addition,the entire report William Latta,Sr.
Robert p Robert t Lauterborn
can be downloaded from the Orange County Together,with our vision and values,we can Marty Mandell
Planning Department's website at: shape our future. Errol McCauley
www.co.orange.nc.us/planning/compre_ Hervey McIver
socf.htm If you have any questions or comments Bernadette Pelissier
about this summary or the SOCF project, Rachel Phelps-Hawkins
Peggy Pollitzer
We thank the citizens of Orange County please contact the Orange County Planning Kenny Ray
for their many contributions to our work. Department at(919)245-2575. Carl Shy
Allen Spalt
Timeline of Events James Ward
September 1993 -Conference sponsored by by Task Force Eddie Williams
the Assembly of Governments,with Dr.John November 1998-Step Six Work Group pre- Susan Prothro Worley
DeGrove as a speaker pares plan for beginning to develop scenarios Aaron Nelson(UNC Liaison)
June 1994-The elected boards agree to a of future and examines data needs Town and County Managers:
15-step process January-March 1999-Staff produces"Base- Cal Horton,Chapel Hill
November 1996-Task Force retreat focusing line Scenario-Year 2030"based on current John Link,Orange County
Bob Morgan,Carrboro
on team-building and conflict resolution trends Eric Peterson,Hillsborough
December 10 1996-First Task Force meet- February-April 1999-Task Force splits into SOCF Steering Committee Members:
ing three facilitated scenario work groups to ana- Joyce Brown,Chair
February-March 1997-Community SWOT lyze baseline and develop a preferred vision of Margaret Brown
(Strengths/Weaknesses/Opportunities/ the future Jay Bryan
Threats)Exercise conducted May June 1999-Task Force develops"A Bill Crowther
May-June 1997- "What's On Your Mind" Preferred Scenario for Year 2030",to be Bevel- Jacquelyn Gist
Alice Gordon
Community Forums and citizen surveys oped as a newspaper insert Rosemary Waldorf
July-August 1997-Plans for Citizen Corn- July-August 1999-Task Force begins examin- David Brower,Advisor
mittee Process ing ways to take scenario and create recom- Primary Staff:
September 1997-Speaker Series for 6 Corn- mendations and the final report David Stancil,Project Coordinator
mittee Topical Areas August-September 1999-Task Force Pam McIntosh,Project Planner
October 1997-Citizen Committees formed conducts two"storyboarding"sessions to Participating Staff:
Craig Benedict,OC Planning Director
February-May 1998-Children's Visioning brainstorm possible recommendations Margaret Hauth,Hillsborough Planning Direct:
Project with 5th graders October 1999-Newspaper insert runs in Roger Waldon,Chapel Hill Planning Director
February 1998-Sustainability"Umbrella" Chapel Hill News,Village Advocate,and Roy Williford,Carrboro Planning Director
Committee begins work News of Orange Michelle Adams,OC Planning
March 1998-Community-Building"Urn- October 1999-Task Force asks staff to Chris Berndt,Chapel Hill Planning
brella"Committee begins work develop"strawman"final report based on Kendal Brown,Chapel Hill Planning
April 1998-Six citizen committees complete guidance from Task Force Marc degree,OC Planning
reports November 1999-Strawman report presented Erin Dissly,OC Planning
Lora Franklin,OC Planning
June 1, 1998-Interim Report and Update to Task Force Adhir Kackar,OC Planning
to Assembly of Governments April 2000-Task Force adopts Provisional Eileen Kugler,OC Health Department
June 25, 1998-Reports of the Sustainabil- Report and transmits to elected boards Patricia McGuire,Carrboro Planning
ity and Community-Building Committees May 2002-Comprehensive Plan Land Use Greg Payne,OC Economic Development
received Committee(CPLUC)reviews SOCF report Dianne Reid,OC Economic Development
July-September 1998-Synthesis Work and discusses how to incorporate recommen- Beth Young,OC Planning
Group prepares report coalescing work to dations into the updated Land Use Element Project Consultants:
Andy Sachs,Dispute Settlement Center
date August 2002-Provisional Report is format- Kit McGinnis,Sustainability Consultant
September-October 1998-Conflict/Op- ted for online viewing and made available at
portunities Committee wrestles with identi- www.co.orange.nc.us/planning/compre_ Orange County thanks all of those involved in
fled difficult issues socf.htm development of SOCF,
October 1998-January 1999- "Orange Late 2003 -Target date for completion of the especially the citizens of
County Profile"prepared by staff and received Land Use Element Orange County!
s:
Past Pre ent , and Future ag
Orange County's Past in other parts of the south. In fact,three- 1900(current boundaries),the County 1
200 Years Ago(1775-1825)Two hundred quarters of the landowners in the County started to develop an identity which it would',
years ago, Orange County was in its infancy owned less than 500 acres of land and only carry into the modern era. However,in 1875
as a political entity,with a population of three percent of landowners held more than Orange County farmers began to see the
15,657 in 1800(this included some parts of 1,000 acres.While County farmers were value and size of farms shrinking. Still deal-
Durham County). Recently created in 1752, fi , ¢ >
ing with the social and economic effects of
the County was working hard to determine ' ; , � ' the Civil War,the nature of farming in the
its place in regional and state politics. In _" , �� ', County started to change. Due to financial
1782, Hillsborough was even selected as burdens and changing regulations, cash
the state capital,although it lost that place /,,A.)� ,f - crops,such as bright leaf tobacco and cotton,
91 ' •7 slowly replaced subsistence farming to Raleigh only a year later. In 1789,the 11 _c �' 4 ' ;� 6�-`' �, i_ y p gin Or-
University of North Carolina,the first
"'t �M ange County. In addition,new patterns of
state-supported university in the country, i �, land and farm ownership emerged;by 1910,
1 J' ' i ' "3""� ' 25%of African American farmers in Orange
was chartered and surveyed on top of New !� ,,._
Hope Chapel Hill. Bustling with activity `'I ;;. , " .;, ",."y�'�`' County owned their own land.•
and growth,Orange County played a major ■( ,� . t'I`"� I •' `,` ■ The effects of the Civil War were also seen
role in the region 4,4i', '' , // , ti
g>on as an economic and politi- G, in the urban areas of the County as small
cal center, and even had a stake in larger, "' 1''' towns grew larger and new towns sprang
national issues as well. Michael Brown up along the expanding rail lines. In fact,
Overall,the character of Oran e Coun dur- much less dependent on slavery than other Carrboro's history began during this period.
g southern communities,20%of the popula- First named Venable in 1911, its name was
ing this period was agricultural. In the early tion in 1790 was enslaved,rising to 27%by officially changed to Carrboro in 1913.
1800s,places like Cedar Grove, Caldwell, 1800,
Oaks,and White Cross were important Other new communities forming along rail
centers for local farming communities. Most 100 Years Ago (1875-1925)One hundred links included Efland,University Station,
farms tended to be small subsistence farms years ago was an exciting time for Orange and Blackwood.
rather than the expansive plantations found County. With a population of 14,625 in
Orange County's Present Housing and Development has declined by 49,730 acres,or 68.3%, over
Population Approximately 91%of the County's housing the same time period. A variety of factors,
Between 1950 and 1990 Orange County's stock was built after World War II and 61% such as higher land values,loss of federal
population increased by 173%. The policy was constructed after 1970.In response to price supports, increased environmental
questions at hand are whether these trends countywide population growth experienced regulation,increased taxation,the advent
are desirable and whether we should work to between 1950 and 1990,the
alter them in the future. As of 1990,57% number of housing units in the Acres of Farmland and Harvested
of the County's residents lived within the County increased from 8,422 to Cropland, Orange County 1967-1996
municipal limits of one of the County's four 38,683. Likewise the number of 1967 1183,263
towns: Carrboro, Chapel Hill,Hillsborough households increased by 28,322 - 67,885
and Mebane(Orange County portion). On households,or 364%,during the 1977 1156,878
a township basis,Chapel Hill contained same time period. The majority - 32,900
the largest percentage of persons(66%)and of new housing was concentrated 1 ggg "/A
Little River the lowest(2%). The popula- in the now municipal portions - 27,100 Harvested Cropland
:ion distribution in the other townships was: of the County. For every indi- 1992 167,a91
_z3,soo Total Farmland
Bingham 5%,Cedar Grove 4%,Cheeks 6%, vidual rural dwelling constructed -
Eno 6%,and Hillsborough 11%. during this period,approximately 1996 144,500
_23,000
two were built in municipalities. 0 50,000 100,000 150,000 200,000
Furthermore,within Source: Orange County C
Orange County Population 9 ry ooperative Extension Service
100,000 93,851 the four municipali-
ties,residential development has of the corporate farm,and changing market
80,000 77,055 largely been focused in Chapel forces,have reduced the overall profitability
Hill,which accounts for 64%of of farming and thus triggered farmland loss
60,000 57,567 all residences built in municipal in the County.
portions of the County between
42,970 Forests
40,000 34,434 1950 and 1990. Additionally,a study done by the Triangle
Farmland Land Conservancy showed that in 1988
20,000 The total farmland in the County prime forests covered nearly 90,000 acres,or
has declined by 138,763 acres,or 35%,of Orange County. Nine years later
° 1950 1 960 1970 1980 1990 76%,from 1967 to 1996. Har- the study found that 10%of these prime
Source: U.S.Census vested cropland in the County forests had been lost or reduced in size.
•
Orange County's Future on current development Page 4
patterns show that two- Orange County Projected Vehicle
Population* thirds as much land will Miles Traveled(VMT)
An estimated 65,850 people are projected be developed than has 3000
to be added to the current population by been developed from Total
2030,increasing the County's population Rural Roads
the time of European 7000
Urban Roads
to nearly 180,000 people. Between 1998 settlement to the present v
and 2030,the projected annual population day. If current trends 3000
growth rate is 1.45%. Although this rate continue,an estimated -a
is considerably slower than the 1960-1998 46%of the County's land >000
growth rate of 2.57%,the actual number of will be developed in 2030, n woo
people added over the next thirty years will compared to only 28%
be almost as many. The steepest increase in 1998. Chapel Hill > 3000
will be in the Latino population,which will Township will be largely 2000
comprise an estimated 8%of the population built out,with remain-
by 2030. Additionally,children and seniors ing undeveloped acreage 000 N 0 CO T O O O O O O N N N N N O
are projected to increase disproportionately mainly in the Rural Buffer °' N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N
in relation to total population increase. that surrounds Chapel
Development Hill and Carrboro. Traffic
Over the next thirty years,projections based
Services Trends also suggest an annual increase in
The projected growth daily vehicle miles traveled(VMT)of 2.34%,
Orange County Projected Population will put pressure on the increasing from 35 VMT to 45 VMT by
200,000— County's education and 2030. This increase would be attributable
178,740 transportation systems, as to the continuation of current land use pat
157,820 well as the water and air terns,commuting patterns, and transporta-
1 50,000 136,950 quality and the integrity tion infrastructure provisions.
,950 of natural areas. By the
116,890 year 2030,school enroll- Forests
ment will increase by 6,520 Also,if the trend in prime forest loss from
100,000 — elementary students, 2,740 1988 to 1996 continues(a reduction of
middle school students,and 1,000 acres per year),by 2030 there would bet
2,800 high school students. less than 47,000 acres of prime forests left,
50,000 — Under these projections or about 52%of the 90,000 acres existing in
1988.
another 10 elementary
schools,4 middle schools, "Editor's Note:SOCF determined Orange County population
projections from Census 1990 data. Census 2000 data
0 2000 I 2010 I 2020 I 2030 and 2-3 high schools will be indicates higher growth rates.
needed.
- u e.
MP
.
SOCF's vision for the year 2030,as well as the integrity of forests,streams,and open space dignity,justice,and economic opportunity.
goals and recommendations,reflect at their core through voluntary incentives,thus preserv- • Governance that provides necessary pub
the following set of shared values. These values ing the land's continuing potential for lic services efficiently,proactively establishes
act as a compass,guiding our direction and agriculture and other appropriate uses. collaborative ties within the region and state,
serving as a warning if we should begin to run • The development of children and youth, encourages civic participation, and is fully
off course. They represent what we hold in high as well as adult citizens in various phases of representative of all the County's citizens,
esteem,and help us to define a desirable future for their lives,by providing excellent elementary responsive to their needs,consistent and
Orange County. and secondary education, cultural experi- fair,socially just in decision-making,and
• Sustainable,renewable use of resources ences,and lifelong learning opportunities, accountable for the promises and obligation-
and environmental stewardship through all of which foster intellectual,social,and incurred on citizens'behalf.
joint planning,cooperation,and action. spiritual growth,develop marketable skills, • A shared sense of community,civil,
• Towns which are friendly and accessible, and contribute to the fulfillment of individu- collaborative,vibrant,friendly, caring, and
centers of education,culture, and civic life; al potential. both diverse and inclusive;where citizens
places where individuals and neighborhoods • A strong commitment to the well-be- feel responsible to and for one another;
thrive along with the institutions,organi- ing of all individuals,young and old,of any where involvement in community life is
zations, and businesses which serve their race or ethnicity,and with any disability,by both encouraged and anticipated;and whey:
needs. providing for basic physical and social needs, the contributions of all are welcomed and
• Rural areas which retain natural,visual, including those which support children and respected.
and economic resources by maintaining the families,in an atmosphere of safety,equity,
Page 5
Orange County Vision f -
I
"Ora ng e County in the year 2030 enjoys a vibrant community lif e rich in
economic, recreational, and cultural opportunities, and celebrates its diverse
natural, cultural, and historic resources. Shared activities and quality design and
development bring people together to work, play, and live."
A Sustainable Community ', ' w ,7-;t y�� �� „,4* �i 1,7'4' " Commitment to the Well-Being of all
1'0 \1• ! Y.- r ,�rtYi�,j, WAY j.
In 2030, Orange County is a sustainable crl`...�I j _ I� ' �; E 'r� Citizens■•
community that has successfully integrated v' ', "S•'�" I�' " '
��� �. ����4' In 2030, Orange County offers many high
its economic and physical development with `,w:pi'ie�4 �-f�-. 4I ,∎'� quality educational opportunities through
•e t, Ij,‘ ti , q tT' Pp g
preservation of its natural environment. �/"�o •�‘i;,',`?a /4 � a I i low student-teacher ratios enhanced student-
Various
joint planning projects,such as �: ,y\� „i:, $. ,4,' -t -/ parent-teacher relations, innovative teach-
the"Triangle West”comprehensive plan, a / 4-:e. `-`�a ' �
g p 1? � y'� .: �,� - u � � ���,,� ing methods,increased community college
town and county Adequate Public Facilities I "'' _ Ff ,r^ and vocational programs,and continuing
Ordinances,the comprehensive transporta- Jy,E o,�*., (`4+ N.�4 �` �,F- f education programs and opportunities at
don plan,and combined data collection and �° � '% ! - UNC. Comprehensive health and human
analysis efforts,promote efficient growth ,.,t• ',\ - services are readily accessible and available
management for the towns,county, and re- Michael Brown
g tY� to all residents throughout their lifetime,
gion. Efforts to enhance and maintain water from quality childcare to increased opportu-
and air quality are made through increased nities for seniors. Well funded heath care,
monitoring and enforcement of collabora- Growth and Development and varying degrees of affordable housing
tively developed regulations and programs, In 2030, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Hills- options are available for all County residents.
such as vegetative buffers along waterways borough, and parts of Mebane are the Safer communities exist as a result of better
and the provision of alternate modes of economic hubs of the County and offer neighborhood design,community policing,
transportation. A diverse economic base is an array of cultural amenities. Most of and increased citizen involvement. Town
supported through balancing larger institu- the population growth Orange County and County governments provide these qual-
tional,commercial,and industrial operations has experienced has been funneled into ity services efficiently and they work together
with small,local businesses. Furthermore these four towns. Compact, pedestrian- to meet citizens'needs and ensure adequate
a stable and diverse agricultural economy is friendly, mixed-use neighborhoods make involvement and representation from citizens
maintained through various programs that these walkable communities that are able in shaping governmental decisions.
protect and promote local farming. to accommodate public transportation.
Growth boundaries have been estab-
lished to contain development within
these urban areas and protect the outside F —— _ • _
/' , rural areas. Growth in the town transi-
I i tion areas has been concentrated into lHil�"" B_
—�'6� small "villages" using a people-centered
�i` ` =
g g p p t 5 n,, , %I
z
v� �I I: design that provides a variety of services, ,J, 1 •••I
ill„ y,, �'1 businesses, and a strong community life „�,� ��� �'�tlik,
1� p,,, ��1�4�i��1mi for residents. They are socio-economi- II�:4,p p' cally diverse communities with a variety I I �,
axiiI^ % C of housing types. The County's five N� l..- II
�Un,,��l'! \ " �f 1 identified rural community centers pro- AIIJ
P�,- 1/j _ vide small-scale commercial and commu ''vii A\V �; ��'
V i 1 1111 *PIT �' populations r frf
�� ni segrvices for local ruons /r pp= l• throu h the creation of Rural P Orange County has a nerma FT-
yr��i., l V. 't„_'✓: nently preserved natural areas, wildlife ' � ' °'`: °
�, Wit ' _ �, _\et �''` corridors and open space, maintained 1
it +I! '',:\ = s 4, `i ' • through use of large lot development, tax ,/49
,;
sustainability
A goal central to the SOCF project is The Three Components of Suitability only a finite time. Thus, unchecked
for Orange County to move toward ; use of resources has implications for
becoming a sustainable community. ;`f our future generations.
What this means is that we must seek `,1 2. Human activity produces harmful
to develop a community that meets the ! substances, which must be mediated
ENVIRONMENT ECONOMY to maintain balance in the natural sys-
needs of the present generation with- ± t
Natural Resources Business Resources
out compromising the ability of future tems. Human-generated waste, such as
generations to meet their needs. ' 4111,*4111 plastics, sewage, and carbon monoxide,
must be carefully managed to minimize 1
The meaning of sustainability can be '',••., '" and eliminate damage to the earth.
further understood by examining the EQUITY . 3. Earth's ecosystems, of which hu-
following four basic principles regard- (f Human Rn J mans are a part along with other living 1
/
ing human needs, natural systems, l• beings, are interdependent and most
and the relationships between them. ? -.."' stable when they include a diversity of
1
These principles are basic, indisputable species. Overuse and pollution of the I
truths that govern life on earth. They these principles, and the consequences natural environment has implications
are global in nature, but apply to our of continuing to violate them, we for maintaining the earth's biodiver-
local community as well because we are establish a common basis for working sity.
part of a region, part of a continent, toward becoming a sustainable com- 4. Human needs span physical, eco-
and part of a world. Our individual munity. nomic, environmental, cultural, social,
and collective decisions and actions and spiritual dimensions. Human
affect the quality of human life and Principles needs can be met equitably, justly, and
the quality of our natural environment 1. For a given natural resource, if the with dignity without compromising the
not only in the local community, but depletion rate exceeds the replacement physical environment.
also in the world. By understanding rate, the resource will be available for
MINXIMMXIMOW
CommunityBuildint
Though community-building is part of being 3. Honoring a framework of shared values; building, dispute-resolution, negotiation,
a sustainable community,the way we interact .. mediation;
Establishing and maintaining networks
with one another to build community is so of supportive individuals and a climate 6. Supporting wholeness within diversity
basic to the outcomes we hope to achieve of caring,trust,teamwork,and shared while allowing healthy conflict and an
that it is appropriate to adopt the concept as responsibility; atmosphere of open dissent;
a project cornerstone in its own right.
5. Establishing and maintaining 7. Establishing and maintaining
Community-building is the means by which institutional arrangements that diminish collaborative ties among leaders of
past generations in a given locale are bound polarization,teach diverse groups to know different generations,jurisdictions,
to new generations, and how the current one another,and encourage coalition- communities, economic sectors, and
residents relate to one another. Each
organizations;
generation must establish the ways in which 8. Supporting strong individual
it will embody respect for,and give specific \ communities that recognize and accept
meaning to,the following general principles / responsibility for the larger community's
It1v
in order that they and their successors may t
Ilk PgrzKs well-being;
experience and advance the concept of \ ` ' ., Trl•A I L
41:\ ' I ,' ✓l cRr I.
9. Maintaining the existing
"community". Applying these principles to -,/,-� tl infrastructure of neighborhood
community issues and decision making will ,
of i !- ii k , associations, congregations, citizen
help people to work together effectively and ± "" z - �
w , groups,youth-serving organizations, and
live in harmony. (ll;, i 1,,, ��V.''
y�� ,, i; professional and volunteer associations;�� _ �.
�`41�• and
Principles* _���� ,��i. 1/ (1
\Ir���. .a. . *�� 10. Fostering a community-wide
1. Developing an awareness and - "�i `- A
�+V �_- ;� commitment to the common good.
understanding of the local traditions, ���L�� \Y 7: '
history,heritage, and memories; fie'%;.\ t .----/ ° y, *Adapted and modified from an influential article
i written by John Gardner,entitled"Building Community",
2. Creating and maintaining a sense of 1 published in 1996 by Independent Sector,Washington,
`F1 JOOkDJ� Nho ,{ `�
identity and belonging; ''' --S —�= - D.C.
Michael Brown
I-
I
Community Involvement Pagel
The community visioning process allows insert run in the major papers of the County •many citizens to come together to determine gave citizens the chance to offer feedback on
what aspects of their community are impor- the vision that had been developed. .
tant to them,what they would like to see in _
the future,and carefully create a framework Additionally,the SOCF website provided • t .k'. ��
for how to achieve this shared vision. In extensive information about the project and , ,:40 ;
Orange County,the SOCF process engaged listed all relevant meeting and public hear- '," ,r
many citizens from across the County in ing dates in an effort to reach more people. . ' a;
varying degrees of participation in order to SOCF meetings and individual topical corn-.
formulate a vision that best represented the mittee meetings were open to the public and -......7" '^4,
ideas of the entire community. The"What's fairly well attended.
on Your Mind"community forums and citi-
zen surveys in the early stages of the SOCF Being a county that has a number of strong
development provided the opportunity for urban and rural communities,people from SOCF also recognized the importance of
many citizens to be reached. A newspaper all of these different regions were encouraged input from the Orange County children.
to participate in the planning process. Many Through SOCF partnerships with six fifth
different community organizations and grade classes located throughout the County,
committees,such as the Commission for the local planners,and UNC graduate students
— nI Environment and the Agricultural Preserva- from the Department of City and Regional
k tion Board,contributed to the visioning Planning,children directly gave their input
a process. Representatives from all of the town on the shape of Orange County's future.
: and County Planning Departments,the Eco- The children created a list of top ten con-
•' 1W nomic Development Department, and the cerns,which included recognizing the impor-
L:'.. It Environment and Resource Conservation Lance of children's input,protecting nature,
, ` r �:. Department,provided technical support for fewer drugs,and keeping and improving the
trillor _.
'' the entire project. good school system.
•
Citizen 's Roundtable
The creation of an Orange County Citizens' one time to help ensure a diversity of people as distinguished from those who are elected
Roundtable is a key recommendation of the attending each meeting.Citizens would be or appointed to official roles in govern-
SOCF Task Force.As a County institution, appointed for three-year terms by the Chapel ment and the word"Roundtable" is used to
the Roundtable would engage citizens in the Hill,Carrboro,Hillsborough, and Orange describe a group gathered for conference or
discussion and analysis of a broad range of County elected boards.Professional plan- discussion,whether or not they are seated
concerns and issues related to our county- ning and facilitation staff would support the at a round table.The Citizens'Roundtable
wide community life.The proposed purposes Roundtable in its tasks.The proposed Citi- presupposes that all who sit there for discus-
of the Roundtable are two-fold: 1)to provide zens'Roundtable is not meant to have its 30 sion and dialogue must be equals and thus,
citizens from throughout the County with members talking only with one another but all will be both heard and listened to.
a place for informal discussion of ideas and always to have others sitting at the table with
concerns of special importance to them them.Annual meet-
as well as to the larger community and its ings should be held at
quality of life;and 2)to review progress on various locations around
the SOCF recommendations, make annual the County to involve
progress reports to the elected boards, and citizens from both rural i ' !
make any needed"course corrections"to and urban areas. The
the original recommendations.Overall,the Roundtable might be li,
Roundtable would seek to address real issues scheduled to coincide — '! "'
and,through the consensus process,find real with other events such
solutions that represent a community-wide as the annual"State of .
commitment. the Economy". 416fiiairt.
The Roundtable membership would be The"Citizens'Round- ihmitt• L
diverse in regard to age,sex,race,and other table"means exactly .
factors such as disability and/or special what it says.The term ,
experience,training,or education.Thirty "Citizen"is used to
members would serve on the Roundtable at describe ordinary people 0 ,
t Core Goals Page 8
iisimiammusa
Goal 1:Put Community-Building First BOCC,ensuring adequate representation exploring options for local governments to
Our community's diversity and inclusiveness for citizens living in the ETJ and rural areas, receive more planning and managing powers,
is the foundation for creating and maintain- continuing to ensure that boards and corn- ensuring decisions regarding infrastructure
ing a vibrant and healthy community life. missions have broad-based representation in are consistent with environmental protection
Thus,to have a truly sustainable community terms of gender,race,and ethnicity,and con- goals, coordinating land use and transporta-
we must foster multicultural involvement in tinuing to make government processes open tion planning boundaries,and improving
the local traditions,history,heritage,and to the public. To do this,SOCF suggests: communication among governments and
memories,and we need to fully include all • convening a short term committee con- citizens regarding programs,initiatives,and
people within the community. The County's sisting of diverse geographical,gender,racial, processes. Strategies to use to address this
cultural,recreational,and historic resources and ethnic persons to study the representa- goal include:
must be solidly supported and nurtured by tion of ETJ and rural area citizens in govern- • adopting a County APFO,
the community,so that each Orange County ment processes,and • coordinating water/sewer and growth
resident has the opportunity to participate in • developing options to improve geographi- boundaries,
and enjoy these remarkable assets that enrich cal representation if a lack is determined to • collaboration on school site selections,
all of our lives. exist. and
• establishing a communication system
«-;,4` Goal 3:Create and Maintain a Central- among all local governments.
i. x.44 r, ized Information Base for Decision-
making Goal 5:Adopt Policies to Move the
Data collection and analysis are critical to ef- Community Toward Sustainability
j j 7 ' fective decision-making. More complete and Moving toward sustainability will take a
4` ' /v `'i' !','I ' `.f.r-
_ consistent data is needed for policy-makers concerted_effort on the part of local govern-
a o„o to better determine the effectiveness of poli- merits to be leaders in educating the public
cies and programs,to determine the limits on sustainability, assessing the limits of the
of natural resources to support growth in County's natural resources(land,water,and
i the County,to determine the fiscal impacts air),formulating policies to become more
To attain this goal,several recommendations of growth,and to monitor sustainability sustainable,and measuring the success of
have been established,including fostering indicators. such policies. J
community interaction and activity,support- -
ing the purposeful inclusion of all people, SOCF recommends providing a central In order to move the community towards
and improving parks and recreation facili-
ties and services. Action strategies that are information base for all decision-making. sustainability,several recommendations have
To do this,a jointly-funded,countywide been made. These include setting sustain-
proposed
ability proposed to achieve this goal include: intergovernmental Data Center should be ty indicators and benchmarks to achieve,
• creating mixed-use community facilities, created. The Data Center would be charged creating mechanisms to regional planning,
• promoting neighborhood design that with the task of collecting and analyzing and adopting and implementing policies and
encourages social interaction, data in the areas of economy,environment, programs that require using the most sustain-
• improving services for minority popula- human services,education,local govern- able technology and practices. Strategies to
tions,such as non-English speaking persons, ment and school finance,and transporta- carry out this goal involve:
and tion. This information would then be made • using the SOCF list of 44 sustainability
available to all agencies,organizations,and indicators and tracking progress,
• funding acquisition of land for future individuals. • developing a"Triangle-West”regional
parks with bonds,impact fees,and donation
plan with Durham and Chatham Counties,
incentives.
Goal 4:Improve Government Efficien- • adopting green building standards,
Goal 2:Address Citizen Concerns cy
and Effectiveness • joining the Cities for Climate Protection
As our community grows and our collec- Campaign,and
about Representation in Government • instituting a sustainability education
Ensuring that all citizens'opinions are heard tive needs change and expand,many of our program.
and taken into account is essential to a expectations of government services will also
healthy community. While Orange County grow. To become a sustainable
citizens have been fortunate in the many
community we must call for and .1
different avenues of public involvement and support more efficient and effective A,.
services from the local government I �'"+G _
government representation,improvements "''
can still be made,especially for the residents and the public schools. 1 r ' s.
p
of the Town ETJs and the rural areas of the 0 11
County. The Task Force has identified sew I �.;
eral recommendations for accom- �i`i1 i
Several recommendations were created in plishing the goal to improve govern- r ` , _ :�`i *,
ment efficiency and effectiveness. w ` x`,.., ,; i '"
an effort to realize this goal. They included �, �I
addressing the issue of representation on the Among these recommendations are , t
1* '
Quality of Life Goals Page
1 . Environment and should be continued to ensure these lands h
Land Use remain safeguarded.
Several recommendations have been made
Goal 1:Promote Land Use Patterns to conserve these important areas of the
that Meet Our Citizens'Needs While County. Among them are using the Lands
Protecting Natural Resources Legacy program to develop a comprehensive `
To prevent sprawl and help maintain the Natural Areas Conservation and Open Space
County's rural character,we must identify Plan,securing funding for land acquisition
areas of the County in which to promote and purchase of development rights,and
denser, mixed-use development and direct educating and encouraging citizens to use
growth into these areas to minimize the native plants. Strategies that can be imple- activities on the environment.Energy use
environmental,social,and fiscal impacts of mented to achieve this goal include: reduction should focus on reducing the
development. • using various acquisition methods such use of non-renewable energy resources and
SOCF provides several recommendations to as fee-simple,conservation easements, PDR reducing air pollution from these sources.
promote quality land use patterns:develop and'1DR programs,and tax incentives,and Reducing and eliminating hazardous and
a countywide plan that identifies where solid wastes will help protect water quality
tywi p using various funding methods such as from toxics and will reduce the costs and
growth is most appropriate,promote land bonds,grants,land trust partnerships,and a landfill space needed.
use patterns that enhance quality of life and land conservation revolving fund.
sense of community and use land and other A number of recommendations were put
resources efficiently,and adopt a process to Goal 3: Create Environmentally Sus- forth to address this goal. They include
create Compact Mixed-Use(CMU)Develop- tamable Transportation Systems that protecting water quality,promoting environ-
ments,Villages,or Hamlets in areas where Meet People's Needs mentally friendly/green building and site
design,reducing per capita energy use from
growth is preferable. Strategies to reach this
Transportation issues in Orange County non-renewable sources,and reducing solid
goal include: revolve around a two-pronged axis:air qual-
and hazardous waste. Strategies that are
ity and traffic. Dependence on the private
waproposed
d ts,o accomplish this goal include:
auto,new national air quality standards,and
congestion in the Triangle area,necessitate • guiding growth away from water supply
7 that we rethink how we travel from place to
t
Ii place and reduce the number of daily trips • identifying wellhead protection areas,
E and miles. It is clear that we need more en- • providing fast track approval for environ-
vironmentally sound transportation systems, mentally friendly development,
l along with land use patterns that decrease • establishing environmental standards for
the need for private vehicles. new development,and
Many recommendations were developed • encouraging building reuse.
to attain this goal. They ranged from
• creating an inter-governmental"Growth expanding public transportation,promos Goal 5:Protect Our Water Supply
Management Board"to determine where ing auto-limited zones in higher density Water is a limited natural resource. We must
growth should occur and how much, areas,encouraging additional transportation continue to assess the limits of water supply
• establishing and supporting guidelines demand strategies,and reducing conges-
and standards for CMU developments,Vil- tion and pollution with minimal new road and storage capacity,stay conservatively
construction. Strategies to accomplish this within these limits,and work to safeguard
ies accom
lages,and Hamlets,and g p our drinking water supplies from pollutants.
• determining where each type of develop- goal include: Water conservation strategies will become
ment is most appropriate through citizen • designating public transportation nodes increasingly important as our population
input and small area planning. throughout the County, grows.
• providing dedicated bus-only lanes, SOCF has suggested a couple of recommen-
Goal 2: Conserve Natural Areas, Farm- . phasing out private auto lots at high dations for this goal:continue to assess water
land and Other Important Open Space schools, supply limits and safety and ensure sufficient
A prominent issue in Orange County has supply,and aggressively promote water con-
been the protection of natural areas and ▪ promoting carpooling,telecommuting, PP Y� g Y I?
High Occupancy Vehicle(HOV)lanes,and servation. Strategies to employ are:
open space. Part of ensuring in- flexible work schedules,and • establishing a water conservation pro-
able community includes maintaining a
healthy environment. The creation of the • developing multi-modal alternatives to gram,
Environment and Resource Conservation new road construction. • developing a water reclamation program,
Department and the Lands Legacy program and
has been a significant step towards Goal 4:Pollution Prevention and Waste p reserv- •
p Reduction permitting the use of gray-water.
ing and protecting important natural and
cultural areas in the County,and such efforts The quality of life in Orange County
depends greatly on the impact of human
2 . Economy efforts should be made to promote a local
farming economy as well. Finally,through w : lik
Goal 1: Support a Diverse Economy economic development that focuses on Great- • i 1 r
that Meets Local Needs ing an employment base with jobs that pay a ' .I_ x r Z:11 ', '' '
Orange County is fortunate to have a very living wage,and providing training for such
strong economy,partly due to the County's opportunities,we can decrease the disparity 4 ,p'il'#t 4:
location within the Research Triangle area between the wealthy and poor.
and the presence of UNC in Chapel Hill.
However,to have a healthy economy it is To achieve and support this diverse econo-
important i.
for the County to encourage busi- my,SOCF has made several recommenda- ti
ness diversity,with a balanced mix of large tions. These range from actively recruiting
commercial/industrial operations and small desirable businesses that meet set criteria, ,,, '�1'
businesses. Since agriculture is an important seeking funding to support :�,
g g pport sustainable busi- `� .',. * s
part of the County's character and history, nesses,supporting farming activities, and w
expanding services provided by the Skills
Development Center. Strategies that can be „,.
used to further these efforts include: [
F
• forming apublic/private task force to de- ,� '� j
it termine which businesses the County should . . R
1 - attract, , d
FBI fi. • providing flexible development regula- '' "'
III
'' dons to desirable businesses,
•_, �� . • assisting farmers with protection against
•nuisance lawsuits,tax incentives, and the veloping a center with hands on techni-
.,,� r creation of an Agriculture Center, and cal skills education.
3 . Housing of all people should be a top, countywide ensure safe,quality housing,and assist low
Goal 1:Ensure Availability of Afford- priority. income individuals to develop an asset base.
able, Quality Housing Strategies to carry out these recommenda-
To address this goal,several recommenda- tions include:
Local housing policies that address afford- tions have been developed:encourage public • encouraging the support of a range of
ability and quality and help all citizens ob- and private initiatives to provide and develop housing options, including homeless emer-
tain these necessities,are crucial to Orange a wide range of affordable housing options, gency housing,single room occupancy units, 1
County's quality of life and economy. Hous- and low income homeownership opportuni-
ing affordability and the ability of families
to own a quality home,and thereby build an
ties,
asset base,are critical issues. In our society, ,„ • encouraging UNC to provide employees
affordable homes on university land and to
where the income gap has been steadily in- - increase the amount of student housing on
creasing, expanding the ability of residents to
campus,
buy a home is a fundamental and important supporting the development of a land
step to narrowing this gap.A wide mix of
housing types and options is needed for the { _ 1 trust, and
County, and the provision of safe,durable, L increasing funding for housing rehabilita-
County,
affordable housing that meets the needs tion.
4. Human Services sure that quality child care is available to all issues is crucial in determining the quality of
children, and address child care affordability. life the citizens enjoy.
Goal 1:Ensure Availability of Afford- Strategies to achieve the goal include:
able. Quality Child Care • creating affordable(sliding scale)after Several recommendations have been estab- I
Our children are our future,and the quality school and summer programs, lished for this goal,including eliminating
of care they receive will greatly affect their • encouraging businesses to adopt parental child and partner/spousal abuse,continuing
health and well-being,thus impacting our leave policies,starting with the County and and enhancing community policing efforts,
community. As the number of children liv- town governments as a model, and improving fire protection, and promoting
ing in households where all parents are work- • working with the legislature to develop family disaster preparedness. Strategies that
ing outside of the home increase,so too will public funding for child care,similar to K-12 can help attain this goal include:
the reliance on child care increase. Along levels. • developing a public relations campaign
with the quality of child care, affordability that focuses on eliminating abuse and pro-
is a major issue. Most families in Orange Goal 2:Promote Public Safety moting positive relationships,
County cannot afford the full cost of child Public safety involves many different areas, • expanding and encouraging neighbor-
care and costs are rising. including crime prevention,fire protection, hood watch programs and community polic-
A couple of recommendations have been and emergency management. How effec- ing,and
made to address the issues of child care:en- tively the County deals with each of these
-1
0
Page 11
• incorporating disaster preparedness edu- ing senior centers with integrated services der to maintain a quality standard of living,
cation into community programs. throughout the community,to providing Orange County must ensure that all citizens
tax and other financial incentives to seniors have adequate health choices.
i Goal 3:Suut,ort Seniors' Quality of Life and caretakers,to providing continuing
The high quality of life for citizens makes education programs and opportunities for SOCF has developed several recommenda-
Orange County an attractive retirement loca- this population. Strategies that can be used tions to consider when thinking about this
4.1 tion for many seniors. If trends continue, include: goal. These include focusing local policies
more seniors are expected to relocate to the • researching the feasibility of allowing low and funds on creating a healthy environment
area,creating many opportunities and chal- to moderate income seniors to defer local and promoting healthy behaviors,evaluat-
lenges for the community. Orange County property taxes, ing the adequacy of facilities in northern
should work towards maintaining and • creating senior centers with a variety of Orange County, enhancing and encouraging
enhancing seniors'quality of life. services, and services for mental health and illnesses, and
• providing job training and educational encouraging the legislature and employer
SOCF suggests several recommendations to opportunities. to provide adequate coverage/funding for
attend to this goal,ranging from establish- health/mental health services. Strategies to
Goal 4:Promote Health and Mental be considered are:
it or Health • developing public awareness campaigns
w t r The old adage, "the best defense is a good for causes of preventable deaths,
f i ., offense,"translates in public health thinking providing education for healthy behaviors
h il i .'i' r into another favorite, "prevention is the best such as good nutrition and physical activity,
medicine". Recognizing that many health and
conditions can be prevented through educa- • continuing the provision of services that
ni ,, 1 tion,and mental health problems controlled help citizens with physical and/or mental
�Y a •° through treatment,the chief priorities for disabilities.
''.-•_,. intervention at the County level should be
V -Alia prevention,education,and treatment. In or-
,e.
5. Ed u c a t i o n Goal 2: Support Lifelong Learning ties focusing on basic skills, literacy, and
Goal 1: Provide Quality K-12 Educa- Orange County benefits from the excel- preparation for citizenship. Strategies
lent educational opportunities provided that work towards accomplishing this goal
tion by UNC, nearby community colleges, include:
Orange County residents clearly expect local community groups, and parks and • developing a calendar of community-
ts, the best in K-12 education. Orange Coun- recreation departments. The wide array based lifetime learning opportunities,
ii- ty is home to some of the most outstand- of lifelong learning opportunities avail- • working with UNC to plan and de-
ing schools in the state, with two of our able locally enriches the lives of County velop a range of campus-based enrichment
s high schools among the top 100 public
high schools in the country. The educa- citizens. These offerings give residents the programs, and
1 tion system strives to prepare students to chance to sharpen their professional skills, • ensuring that adult education services
be responsible citizens and well-rounded, learn new skills, expand their cultural ho- and opportunities are available and acces-
critical thinkers with marketable skills. rizons, and enjoy a variety of leisure activi- sible to all who need them.
ties. Equally important to helping people
get the most out of their lives and contrib-
ta- A number of recommendations have been
put forth to address providing quality ute positively to society are programs that
provide literacy
education. Such recommendations in- education, adult
dude having schools be part of multi-use
of community centers, encouraging coopera- basic education,
tion between Chapel Hill/Carrboro and
and citizenship _.-" � �.;. -.* .4 re. , .. .a.
education. .� :...,
I Orange County School systems, improv-
ing special needs services, and enhancing I, j
A couple of rec-
efforts to provide students with hands-on, ommendations ', 1° A ��;
r�s_
rig real world experience. Some strategies to have been made ■ ■ Cedar wags High School — ■ ' "_" ■
use are: to deal with this I — V" 1
goal: fostering
it • determining whether a school system and enhancing �t�� C M "
merger would be feasible and efficient '
lifelong learning ---- ; '
• enhancing opportunities for special
needs children in the school districts, opportunities
for all adults,
1 • improving the teaching of English as a
and enhancing ._
Second Language (ESL) classes, and
Adult Educa-
ic- • enhancing vocational training and _ ,tion opportuni- S` -.ow
skills development programs.
A Note from the County's Planning Depart- Land Use Element. The information gath- Economy
ment ered in the SOCF report and its seven-year 4. Protect Water Resources—Watershed and
Orange County is at a critical point in time. community outreach process has significantly Groundwater
The growth in the region has been significant helped"shape"the eventual revisions to the 5. Traffic Reduction
Land Use Element. Additionally,other corn- 6. Reduction of the Fiscal Impacts of
and the County has recognized the need to
proactively address the issues before experi- munity reports and committees,such as the Development
encing the negative consequences that have Rural Character Study,the Water Resources 7. Hazard Mitigation-Reduction of
already taken place in some of our neighboring Report,and the Comprehensive Plan Land Stormwater Runoff and Flooding
counties. Orange County has a head start;the Use Committee(CPLUC),have contributed 8. Protection of Natural Areas/Wildlife
SOCF project has been a great success and of- to the update. The next rational step is to use Corridors
fers Orange County a number of creative ideas the ideas put forth by these citizen boards for 9. Reduction of Air Pollution
the analysis and development of the final Land 10. Development Location and Type
for effective growth management. Chapel Hill,
Carrboro,Hillsborough,and Orange County Use Element of the County's Comprehensive 11. Economic Prosperity and Diversity
have already begun incorporating many of the Plan. 12. Affordable Housing
ideas the report put forth into their planning A particular example of citizen influence on 13. Preservation of Community Character
efforts and several additional concepts are the Plan's development are the outcomes of Neighborhoods and Historical/Cultural
currently being considered. Evidence of the the CPLUC. As a representative committee Features.
SOCF report can be found in several recent of citizens formed to provide feedback and Following the identification of the GMGs,the
planning projects such as the Chapel Hill direction on the update of the Land Use Ele- Committee worked to select potential growth
Comprehensive Plan,2000;the Carrboro merit,the CPLUC was successful in identifying management tools(GMTs)from a comprehen-
Vision 2020,2000;the Facilitated Small Area thirteen growth management goals(GMGs)for sive list of options for further study. Consis-
Plan for Carrboro's Northern Study Area, the County. tent with the goals and recommendations put
1999;and the Hillsborough Vision 2010, 2000. 1. Efficient Provision of Public Services forth in the SOCF report,the tools were se-
Orange County is presently in the process of 2. Protection of Rural Community Character lected and researched for potential implemen-
updating the County's Comprehensive Plan 3. Preserve Farmland and Viable Local Farm tation by the County within its jurisdiction.
Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance(APFO):A Hamlet: A rural configuration of houses,small tion with professional and technical assistance.
zoning and/or land development regulation that commercial enterprises and community services, Sustainability:Development that meets the needs
helps pace growth by synchronizing development developed in keeping with the current community of the present generation without compromising
with the availability of public facilities needed to character. the ability of future generations to meet their
support that development. Inclusionary Zoning:A mandatory or voluntary needs.
Affordable Housing:Housing that can be technique applied to new housing developments Suburban Sprawl:The unmanaged and largely
purchased at a cost between 2.5 to 3 times a in which a certain portion of the units being con- unplanned expansion of developed areas at a
household's total annual income or rented for no structed is set aside to be affordable to low-and
less-than-urban scale into corridors or areas of a
more than 30%of total household income. moderate-income home buyers. rural nature.
Auto-Limited Zones:Areas where pedestrian Multi-Use Community Centers:Community Transfer of Development Rights(TDR):A
traffic and transit access is encouraged,and use of facilities,such as schools,libraries,and senior program that allows a parcel of land with unique i
personal automobiles is likewise discouraged via centers,that are strategically and centrally located resources or constraints present(within a
limited parking,narrow or"cobblestone"streets, within a community and thus serve as centers for "sending area")to transfer its share of expected
or other measures. social interaction and gathering for community development potential to another property in a
Carrying Capacity:The amount of development members. different location,where such development might
the land and environment can support while Rural Areas:Areas in Orange County that lie out- be more practical because of location or proximity
still maintaining adequate septic system and well side of municipal corporate limits,ETJs and/or to urban services(the"receiving area").
recharge functions. Transition Areas. Transition Areas:Areas that are in transition
Community Visioning:A process through which Rural Buffer:Land adjacent to an Urban or Tran- from a rural land use pattern to a more-urban
a community envisions the future it wants,and sition area which is rural in character and which pattern,and currently(or in the future)will have
then plans how to achieve it. should remain rural,contain very low density access to urban services such as public water and
Compact Mixed-Use(CMU)Developments: residential uses and not require urban services. sewer service.
Development that would include housing,corn- Rural Character Report:Late 1980's-early 1990's Urban Sprawl:Unmanaged and largely un-
mercial activities,civic and social components, study that examined the Rural Buffer and the ru- planned expansion of urban-scale land uses
and light industry(where appropriate)and would ral areas of the County and discussed community and/or services into corridors or areas of a rural
be located in areas best served by urban services. character preservation,agricultural protection, nature.
open space,natural and visual resource protec-
Extra-Territorial Jurisdictions(ETJs):Land Village:A small,unincorporated,self-contained
outside of(but adjacent to)the corporate limits tion,and growth management for these areas. community of less than 200 acres,located inside
of a municipality where the municipality exercises Small Area Plans:A land use plan for a small designated Transition Areas,that offers a mix
land use planning and development permitting community or area that focuses on the communi- of residential,non-residential services and open
authority.ETJs are often envisioned to become ty's needs and desires(while cognizant of overall space to meet the physical,social and economic
part of the municipality's corporate limits in the comprehensive plans for the Town/County),and needs of the community.
future. is developed by citizens from the area in conjunc-